sound tricky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sound tricky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to be difficult or complicated. Example: "The math problem seemed simple at first, but it turned out to sound tricky once I started working on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Sound tricky?

The New York Times

That may sound tricky but it's just common sense: an extra dollar that finds its way to an "income-constrained" (or "poor," or these days even "middle-class") person is more likely to be spent than saved.

The New York Times

If buttons run the full length of the back, it may sound tricky.

WikiHow

It may sound tricky, depending on the restaurant cuisine, but with creativity, there's a lot of food choices out there.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sounds tricky.

The Guardian

Now, you may be thinking, Hey, that sounds tricky.

The Washington Post

The CrossBlue's all-wheel drive setup sounds tricky, but intriguing.

The New York Times

If that sounds tricky, you try straining a sinew in heels.

The New Yorker

If this kind of tinkering sounds tricky, there's no need to re-invent the wheel, or the saw blade, for that matter.

The New York Times - Tech

The image matching between MODIS (1 km) and CHM (0.5 m) sounds tricky.

Forest Ecosystems

Sounds tricky, but its actually the easiest step in the entire chain.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "sound tricky" with a reason or explanation to provide context. For example, "The new policy sounds tricky because it involves multiple departments and approvals."

Common error

Avoid using "sound tricky" when something is genuinely impossible or insurmountable. It's best suited for situations that seem manageable but could become problematic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound tricky" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, indicating that something gives the impression of being difficult or complicated. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment of grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sound tricky" is used to describe situations or tasks that appear more complicated or difficult than they initially seem. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and its usage is deemed appropriate across a spectrum of contexts. Though not overly common, the phrase is utilized in sources ranging from news articles and how-to guides, suggesting an informal to semi-formal register. The main purpose of the phrase is to convey a sense of anticipated challenge or difficulty. Related phrases such as "seem difficult" or "appear complicated" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuances you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely appears manageable but has the potential for hidden complications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem difficult

Replaces "sound" with "seem" offering a slightly more formal tone.

appear complicated

Uses "appear" instead of "sound" and "complicated" instead of "tricky", emphasizing the complexity.

look challenging

Emphasizes the challenging aspect using "look" and "challenging".

strike as complex

More formal and emphasizes the impression of complexity.

present difficulties

Shifts the focus to the difficulties implied.

pose problems

Highlights the potential problems that arise.

involve complications

Focuses on the inherent complications.

be fraught with difficulty

More emphatic and highlights significant difficulty.

require careful handling

Indicates a need for caution and skill.

not be a piece of cake

Informal idiom conveying difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "sound tricky" in a sentence?

You can use "sound tricky" to describe something that seems more complicated or difficult than it appears initially. For example: "Implementing this new software sounds tricky, but the benefits outweigh the challenges."

What can I say instead of "sound tricky"?

You can use alternatives like "seem difficult", "appear complicated", or "look challenging" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sound tricky" or "sounds tricky"?

"Sounds tricky" is correct when referring to a singular subject or situation, while "sound tricky" can be used in more general statements or when the subject is plural. However, “sounds tricky” is much more common.

What's the difference between "sound tricky" and "feel tricky"?

"Sound tricky" refers to the auditory impression or how something is described, suggesting it may be more complex than it seems. "Feel tricky" relates to a more intuitive sense or direct experience.