tricky circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations that are complicated, difficult, or require careful handling. Example: "We found ourselves in tricky circumstances when the project deadline was moved up unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

All organisations sometimes face tricky circumstances and even those with the best will find that unexpected costs arise.

The Guardian

Yet by any other standard it was a sturdy victory.It makes the ANC seem all the more impregnable because it was achieved in such tricky circumstances.

The Economist

In such tricky circumstances it is best not to give the beloved both barrels ("That Brenda! What a bitch! The things I could tell you about that woman … ").

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The tricky circumstances, along with it being the last conference before the election, put an even higher premium than usual on the leader's speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

In tricky circumstances, the British prime minister had just delivered one of the speeches of his life a long-promised, long-delayed, pre-emptively derided oration on Britain and the European Union that nonetheless succeeded in pleasing most of his fractious party.

The Economist

The host navigated the tricky circumstances with aplomb, and delivered some standout comic bits, especially one that unearthed Tony nominees' forgotten guest spots on "Law & Order," including half a dozen disparate characters played by one Danny Burstein (now Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

England's women also have the responsibility of qualifying for Team GB but find themselves in trickier circumstances, currently sixth in the standings.

BBC

She's a loyal friend, a hard worker and resourceful in even the trickiest circumstances.

Huffington Post

Yet the relationship between India and its stockmarket, the world's 11th-largest, is not that simple.India is a nervous place, facing tricky economic circumstances and an election by 2014 that some fear could lead to political mayhem.

The Economist

For both parties, even a hint of alliance creates a host of tricky political circumstances.

Huffington Post

Now, just in time for the centenary of Fleming's birth, his estate has commissioned a new Bond novel, "Devil May Care," by Sebastian Faulks, a British author whose best-known previous book, "Birdsong," is a historical drama set during World War I. Taking over another author's creation four decades after his death is tricky under any circumstances.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky circumstances", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It's best suited for situations that require tact, cleverness, or careful navigation rather than outright force or direct confrontation.

Common error

While "tricky circumstances" is acceptable, overuse in formal documents can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for stronger, more precise alternatives like "challenging conditions" or "complex situation"/s/complex+situation to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, where "tricky" modifies the noun "circumstances". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of affairs that requires careful handling. As Ludwig AI suggests, this expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky circumstances" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations that are complex and require careful navigation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly formal, it appears frequently in news and media contexts and less so in academic or encyclopedic content. When writing, remember that more formal alternatives such as "challenging situation" or "complex situation" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. The phrase's strength lies in conveying the need for tact and cleverness when facing challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging situation

Replaces "tricky" with "challenging", focusing on the difficulty requiring effort to overcome.

difficult situation

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the situation, using a more direct term than "tricky".

complex situation

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the circumstances.

complicated situation

Similar to "complex situation", but with a focus on the entanglement and confusion involved.

delicate situation

Indicates that the situation requires careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

problematic situation

Clearly indicates that the circumstances are causing or likely to cause problems.

precarious situation

Suggests that the situation is unstable and could easily become worse.

awkward situation

Highlights the uncomfortable or embarrassing aspects of the circumstances.

sensitive situation

Similar to "delicate situation", but emphasizing the potential for emotional impact.

unenviable position

Focuses on the undesirable nature of being in such circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky circumstances" to describe situations that require careful handling. For example: "We found ourselves in tricky circumstances when the project deadline was moved up unexpectedly."

What are some alternatives to "tricky circumstances"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "challenging situation", "difficult situation", or "complex situation".

Is "tricky circumstances" formal or informal?

"Tricky circumstances" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For more formal contexts, consider using "complex situation" or "challenging situation".

What makes circumstances "tricky"?

Circumstances are "tricky" when they involve complexities, potential for missteps, or require careful navigation to achieve a desired outcome. They often demand tact and cleverness.