tricky problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe challenges or issues that are difficult to solve or navigate. Example: "The team faced several tricky problems during the project, but they managed to find effective solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But Asia also faces a number of peculiarly tricky problems.

The Economist

Technological change creates particularly tricky problems for antitrust.

The Economist

But he does pose his own brand of tricky problems.

The New York Times

But politically tricky problems are ten-a-penny.

The Economist

Removing these raised a whole raft of tricky problems.

The New York Times - Arts

The Chinese government retains tight control over the curriculum, which creates tricky problems for British educators.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

He may soon face a tricky problem.

The Economist

It's a very tricky problem".

The New York Times - Health

Getting this new study published was a tricky problem.

The New York Times - Science

In sum, this is a very tricky problem.

The Guardian - Tech

Male pattern hair loss is a very tricky problem indeed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing multifaceted issues, use "tricky problems" to succinctly convey the inherent difficulties and complexities involved. It’s suitable when you want to acknowledge that solutions may not be immediately obvious or easy to implement.

Common error

While "tricky problems" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise language that specifies the nature of the challenges, such as "complex methodological issues" or "intricate analytical difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky problems" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "tricky" modifies the noun "problems". It generally acts as the object or subject of a sentence to denote specific challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky problems" is a commonly used phrase for describing challenging issues that require careful consideration. As per Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts. While versatile, more precise language may be appropriate for highly formal or technical writing. Consider alternatives like "challenging issues" or "complex dilemmas" depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI highlights its wide applicability, but writers should be mindful of the tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging issues

Replaces "problems" with "issues" and "tricky" with "challenging", emphasizing the difficulty level.

difficult situations

Substitutes "tricky" with "difficult" and "problems" with "situations", focusing on the complexity of circumstances.

complex dilemmas

Replaces "tricky" with "complex" and "problems" with "dilemmas", highlighting intricate and perplexing choices.

complicated matters

Substitutes "tricky" with "complicated" and "problems" with "matters", emphasizing intricacy and potential confusion.

thorny questions

Uses "thorny" to describe the sensitivity and potential for conflict in the "questions", indicating a need for careful handling.

delicate matters

Emphasizes the sensitivity and need for careful handling in addressing the "matters", replacing "tricky" with "delicate".

intricate puzzles

Replaces "problems" with "puzzles" and "tricky" with "intricate", suggesting a complex and elaborate challenge.

sensitive issues

Focuses on the need for careful and tactful handling of the "issues", substituting "tricky" with "sensitive".

vexing questions

Replaces "problems" with "questions" and "tricky" with "vexing", emphasizing the frustrating nature of the inquiries.

awkward predicaments

Substitutes "problems" with "predicaments" and "tricky" with "awkward", focusing on uncomfortable and challenging situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky problems" to describe situations that are difficult to resolve. For example, "The team faced several "tricky problems" during the project, but they managed to find effective solutions."

What are some alternatives to "tricky problems"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging issues", "difficult situations", or "complex dilemmas" depending on the context.

Is "tricky problem" or "tricky problems" more appropriate?

"Tricky problem" refers to a single difficult issue, while ""tricky problems"" refers to multiple difficult issues. The choice depends on whether you're discussing one or more challenges.

What makes a problem "tricky"?

A "tricky" problem is one that is not easily solved due to hidden complexities, unexpected challenges, or the need for specialized knowledge. It often requires creative thinking and careful analysis to overcome.