tricky atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or environment that is complicated, challenging, or difficult to navigate, often implying a sense of tension or uncertainty. Example: "The negotiations took place in a tricky atmosphere, with both sides wary of making concessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Despite this tricky atmosphere, Mr. Frydman (pronounced FREED-man), whose company had been recruited by local officials and business groups, managed to get the multiplex built.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

At her peak she was producing two major translations a year while holding down a demanding day job and dealing with foreign writers in a tricky political atmosphere.

The Guardian

The sport's first night race has fast become a favourite among drivers and fans alike with its lively atmosphere, tricky track layout and stunning backdrop.

BBC

Those from Earth-bound telescopes had to distinguish between Martian methane and methane in Earth's atmosphere, a tricky job that comes with necessary margins of error.There are few doubts about the quality of Curiosity's data, though.

The Economist

Mr. Akerlund comes from a music-video background, having directed Madonna's "Ray of Light," and the movie is a tour de force of grunge atmosphere and tricky editing in which the jolts and cartoon flashes are seamlessly woven into the narrative.

The New York Times

Looking at such an atmosphere, though, is tricky.

The Economist

In the density of its gritty atmosphere and its tricky narrative convolutions it suggests "The Departed" run wild on its own conceptual excesses.

The New York Times

Isolating the farts from the outside atmosphere would be tricky though, requiring a vacuum seal around the butts of the captives having their farts harvested.

Vice

The atmosphere was the trickiest part to depict.

Huffington Post

This unpredictable atmosphere clearly makes his job considerably trickier than editing a weekly political programme.

The Guardian

It was a tricky thing to tell Kim, it probably would've ruined the atmosphere a little bit.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tricky atmosphere" when you want to convey a sense of underlying difficulty or potential problems within a specific context. For example, "Navigating the negotiations required careful consideration due to the tricky atmosphere."

Common error

Avoid using "tricky atmosphere" when simpler terms like "difficult" or "uncomfortable" would suffice. Overusing the phrase in straightforward situations can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky atmosphere" functions as a descriptive element, characterizing a situation or environment as being problematic, complex, or requiring careful navigation. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tricky atmosphere" is a valid and usable English expression employed to describe a situation or environment characterized by underlying difficulties, complexities, or potential issues. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability. While not overly common, it is readily understood and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. For alternative phrasing, consider "challenging situation" or "delicate environment". The key is to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in simplistic contexts, to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging situation

Focuses more on the difficulty of the circumstances rather than the emotional environment.

delicate situation

Highlights the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

difficult environment

Emphasizes the overall hardship and obstacles present.

tense environment

Underscores the presence of stress and potential conflict.

awkward environment

Suggests social discomfort and unease.

complex situation

Highlights the intricate nature of the circumstances.

precarious setting

Implies instability and potential danger.

sensitive climate

Stresses the need for tact and discretion.

volatile climate

Highlights the potential for sudden and dramatic changes.

unstable conditions

Focuses on the lack of predictability and reliability.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky atmosphere" to describe situations or environments that are complicated, challenging, or require careful navigation. For example, "The political debate was held in a "tricky atmosphere", with many controversial topics being discussed.".

What are some alternatives to "tricky atmosphere"?

Alternatives to "tricky atmosphere" include "challenging situation", "delicate situation", or "difficult environment" depending on the specific context.

What makes an atmosphere "tricky"?

An atmosphere can be described as "tricky" when there are underlying tensions, complexities, or potential pitfalls that require careful handling and awareness.

Is "tricky atmosphere" a formal or informal phrase?

"Tricky atmosphere" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "complex situation" or "sensitive environment".