relatively tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat difficult or complicated, but not excessively so. Example: "The math problem was relatively tricky, requiring a deeper understanding of the concepts involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Additionally, this approach is relatively tricky.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Keeping track of that relatively tricky trajectory implies a higher stage of object permanence development that no other nonprimate mammal is known to have, the researchers say.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In contrast, the other key prediction that p53 oscillations lower the IR intensity level at which the system switches to high-p53 state is relatively trickier to perform experimentally.

Plosone

Hirst and his peers — the tricky but relatively dignified sculptor Rachel Whiteread and the painter Gary Hume, among them — were embraced by the mega-collector Charles Saatchi and promoted by the prestigious curators Nicholas Serota, of the Tate, and Norman Rosenthal, of the Royal Academy of Arts.

The New Yorker

Indeed, when it comes to E.U.-Russia relations, even the relatively easy stuff can be tricky.

The New York Times

"We think it may be harder for shoulder surfers to follow a path," Dr. Perrig said, in the same way that it is difficult for passengers in a car to retrace a tricky route, but relatively easy for the driver.

The New York Times - Tech

Animals with a different number of toes may seem tricky, but are actually relatively simple.

WikiHow

If the debate offered relatively few laughs, it also illustrated the tricky and uncertain place at which the festival — not to mention comedy itself — has arrived.

The New York Times - Arts

Cantor Fitzgerald strategist Stephen Pope said that Schering-Plough was also vulnerable to consolidation because of its relatively high credit default spreads, making it tricky for the company to raise financing.

Forbes

But putting portfolio theory to work in banking, in which potential gains and losses are relatively easy to quantify, has still proved quite tricky.

The Economist

According to GamesRadar, "Ibuki makes up for her relatively weak damage by having some of the trickiest mobility in the game, letting a skilled player dash circles around their confused opponent".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively tricky", ensure the context provides a clear baseline for comparison. It's helpful to specify what it's tricky compared to, or what makes it tricky in the first place.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively tricky" when the situation is actually very complex or extremely challenging. It can downplay the effort required and mislead your audience. Consider stronger alternatives like "very challenging" or "extremely complex" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively tricky" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its level of difficulty. It indicates that something is not exceptionally hard but requires some care and attention. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively tricky" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that presents a moderate level of difficulty. Ludwig's analysis, based on a wide range of sources, shows that it’s frequently used in both news and scientific contexts to convey a nuanced assessment, something that isn’t easy but isn’t exceptionally challenging either. While "relatively tricky" enjoys widespread use, writers should be mindful of overstating or understating the actual difficulty of a situation. Alternatives like "somewhat challenging" or "fairly difficult" can be employed to fine-tune the message. Understanding the subtle connotations and contexts in which "relatively tricky" appears allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat challenging

Replaces "relatively tricky" with alternative adjectives that convey a similar level of difficulty.

fairly difficult

Replaces "relatively tricky" with alternative adjectives that convey a similar level of difficulty.

moderately complex

Emphasizes the complexity aspect rather than the difficulty, maintaining a similar degree of challenge.

slightly complicated

Uses "slightly" and "complicated" to suggest a minor level of difficulty.

a bit intricate

Replaces "tricky" with "intricate" and "relatively" with "a bit" to maintain similar meaning.

not entirely straightforward

Uses a negative construction to imply that something is not easy, but not extremely hard either.

presents some difficulty

Focuses on the difficulty aspect of the task or situation.

calls for some finesse

Implies that something requires delicate handling rather than brute force.

requires careful handling

Highlights the need for cautious and precise actions.

demands a nuanced approach

Emphasizes the need for subtlety and sensitivity in dealing with a situation.

FAQs

What does "relatively tricky" mean?

The phrase "relatively tricky" suggests that something is somewhat difficult or complicated, but not exceptionally so. It implies a moderate level of challenge compared to something else.

What can I say instead of "relatively tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat challenging", "fairly difficult", or "moderately complex" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "relatively tricky"?

Yes, "relatively tricky" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in reliable sources.

How do I use "relatively tricky" in a sentence?

Use "relatively tricky" to describe something that presents some difficulty, but not an overwhelming amount. For example, "The problem was "relatively tricky", but we managed to solve it."