tricky as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge the difficulty of a situation while introducing a statement or opinion about it. Example: "Tricky as it is, we must find a solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

So figuring out how to protect privacy without pre-empting innovation is as tricky as it is necessary.

The Economist

Tricky as it is to impeach a president, the two houses might at last have a go at sinking him.There are still more-drastic possibilities.

The Economist

Empirical research on this issue is tricky, as it is generally unknown exactly why a parent chooses to stay at home, and these unknown reasons may affect the child in numerous ways.

The Economist

Then again, as tricky as it is to find reliable bullpen arms, perhaps those three, and Luis Ayala, could team with Dave Robertson as a sturdy bridge to closer Mariano Rivera.

The New York Times - Sports

This can be tricky, as it is difficult to set aside preexisting opinions about the competition.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Proving that the squeezed vacuum survived its confinement is tricky, as it's hard to measure nothing.

Science Magazine

Admittedly, defining experimental music can be tricky as it's not really a genre at all (it originally referred to mid-20th century classical composers like La Monte Young and John Cage, but now applies more to a general pushing of boundaries).

The Guardian - Music

Drawing an exterior on the 3D figure is a bit tricky, as it's easy to press too far and end up painting on the inside rather than the outside.

TechCrunch

The impression doesn't last, as very occasional instances of asset pop-up break the illusion, and the various shades of grey that make up road, central reservations and sidewalks rather blur into each other, making high-speed turns tricky as it's not always obvious where smooth tarmac ends and vertical concrete obstacle begins.

Vice

But grooming young starters for sustained success is tricky enough as it is.

The New York Times - Sports

Engagement is a tricky word, as it is overused and usually relates to online interaction with a brand.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tricky as it is" to acknowledge a challenge before explaining why something is still necessary or important. This creates a balanced and nuanced argument.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky as it is" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky as it is" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. It modifies the main clause by acknowledging a potential difficulty or challenge, creating a contrast or concession. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16.67%

Science & Research

16.67%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tricky as it is" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to acknowledge a challenge or difficulty while still emphasizing the necessity or importance of the situation. Its usage is most common in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While there are more formal alternatives, the phrase effectively balances the acknowledgment of difficulty with a call to action or continued effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging though it may be

Emphasizes the challenging nature with a slightly more formal tone.

difficult though it might be

Highlights the difficulty, using "might" to soften the statement.

as difficult as it seems

Focuses on the perceived difficulty, acknowledging potential misconceptions.

complicated as it may appear

Stresses the complexity, suitable for intricate situations.

even though it's complicated

Directly states the complication, using "even though" for contrast.

hard as it can be

Simple and direct, emphasizing the potential hardship.

though it presents difficulties

Acknowledges difficulties in a more formal and understated way.

problematic though it is

Highlights the problematic aspects of the situation.

intricate as the matter stands

Emphasizes the intricacy and current state of affairs.

tough as it gets

Emphasizes the extreme difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "tricky as it is" in a sentence?

Use "tricky as it is" to introduce a statement acknowledging a difficulty or challenge, followed by an explanation of why something is still necessary or valuable. For example, "Tricky as it is, implementing this new policy is crucial for long-term success".

What phrases are similar to "tricky as it is"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging though it may be", "difficult though it might be", or "complicated as it may appear" to express similar ideas.

Is "tricky as it is" formal or informal?

"Tricky as it is" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's generally more common in neutral to slightly formal writing. More formal alternatives exist if a very high degree of formality is required.

How does the meaning of "tricky as it is" change with different contexts?

The core meaning of "tricky as it is" remains consistent – acknowledging a difficulty. However, the specific challenge being addressed will vary depending on the context, ranging from complex technical problems to sensitive interpersonal situations.