tricky questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky questions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to questions that are difficult to answer or that require careful thought. Example: "During the interview, the candidate was asked several tricky questions that tested their problem-solving skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These are more tricky questions to answer.

Independent

Even if disclosure doesn't render you unmarriageable, tricky questions linger.

The New York Times

A mostly deferential press rarely asks tricky questions.

The Economist

Not for him tricky questions of sanitation or finance.

The Economist

Rubio repeatedly turned tricky questions into strong applause lines.

The Guardian

"I never got orders not to ask tricky questions".

The New York Times - Magazine

Wow, you are really stumping me with the tricky questions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it raises some tricky questions: in Iraq, whose side is everyone on, anyway?

The New Yorker

As ever, such issues raise tricky questions about the pros and cons of affirmative action.

The Economist

They will also face many tricky questions about the future (see article).

The Economist

These are tricky questions to answer.This uncertainty can create a vigorous debate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and context when using "tricky questions". In formal settings, "challenging questions" or "complex questions" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "tricky questions" is widely understood, overuse in formal or academic writing can sound informal. Opt for alternatives like "challenging questions" or "complex inquiries" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky questions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tricky" modifies the noun "questions". This construction describes questions that are not straightforward and require careful thought or cleverness to answer. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky questions" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe questions that are difficult to answer or require careful thought. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "challenging questions" in academic or professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples of its usage across various domains, primarily in news and media, but also in scientific and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging questions

Replaces "tricky" with "challenging", emphasizing the difficulty in answering.

difficult questions

A more straightforward substitution, focusing on the level of difficulty.

complex questions

Highlights the intricate nature of the questions.

complicated questions

Similar to "complex", but suggests a tangled or involved nature.

sensitive questions

Focuses on the delicate nature of the subject matter.

delicate questions

Similar to "sensitive questions", emphasizing the need for careful handling.

awkward questions

Highlights the potential for discomfort or embarrassment.

thorny questions

Emphasizes the problematic and potentially contentious nature of the questions.

intricate questions

Stresses the detailed and elaborate aspects of the questions.

probing questions

Focuses on the intent to uncover hidden information or challenge assumptions.

FAQs

How to use "tricky questions" in a sentence?

You can use "tricky questions" to describe inquiries that are difficult to answer or require careful consideration. For instance, "The exam was full of tricky questions that tested my problem-solving skills."

What can I say instead of "tricky questions"?

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

Which is correct, "tricky questions" or "difficult questions"?

Both "tricky questions" and "difficult questions" are correct and usable. "Tricky" implies a need for cleverness or careful handling, while "difficult" simply indicates a high degree of challenge.

What's the difference between "tricky questions" and "sensitive questions"?

"Tricky questions" are those that are hard to answer, while "sensitive questions" deal with topics that could cause offense or require careful handling due to their personal or controversial nature.