tricky to carry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky to carry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or situation that is difficult to transport or manage due to its size, shape, or weight. Example: "The large sculpture was beautiful but quite tricky to carry without assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The old one about a lot of car for your money would be a bit tricky to carry off, at least.

Independent

For Eugene Onegin this included several combinations of dance steps, simple in themselves maybe, but tricky to carry off with such carefree aplomb.

The Guardian - Music

-SISTER MARY TRICKY To carry care to bed is to sleep with a pack on your back.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That the film is even halfway able to carry off such a tricky balancing act is a measure of its aspiration.

The New York Times

Paul Krugman and Tyler Cowen agreed that the Swiss National Bank had blown its credibility and made life trickier for other central banks that want to carry out unconventional policies.

The New Yorker

Finding the start can be tricky, so first-timers would be well advised to carry a GPS device or go with a guide.

The New York Times - Travel

Determining who in the crowd of competitors had stolen control would be tricky, he said, because smartphones could easily be used to carry out such an attack.

BBC

Maybe so; but to convey the condition of being spellbound is difficult, and to carry it over into another language is even trickier.

The Guardian - Books

To carry them off, Valeant will also need to keep its borrowing costs down, which may be tricky given that its debts are already high.

The Economist

I've never tried to carry a bouncy castle on the London Underground, but I imagine it can't be much trickier.

The Guardian - Travel

But the broad topic of fertility and environmentalism can be tricky to navigate; it's prone to being misunderstood or carrying negative connotations.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky to carry", consider the specific reason why it is difficult, and if a more descriptive word would be more appropriate, such as "heavy", "fragile", or "unwieldy".

Common error

While "tricky to carry" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language that clearly articulates the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky to carry" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun by describing the difficulty associated with transporting it. It suggests that carrying the object requires care, skill, or a specific approach.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tricky to carry" is a valid and understandable expression used to describe something that is difficult or challenging to transport. According to Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct. While "tricky to carry" may not be the most common phrase, it effectively conveys the nuanced difficulty of moving an object, implying a need for care or skill. It's primarily found in news and media contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "difficult to transport" or "hard to handle" depending on the specific reason behind the difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Difficult to transport

Replaces "tricky" with a more direct synonym for difficulty and focuses on the transportation aspect.

Hard to handle

Emphasizes the difficulty in managing or manipulating the object.

Awkward to move

Highlights the clumsiness or lack of ease in relocating something.

Unwieldy to carry

Focuses on the size or shape making it difficult to carry.

Challenging to transport

Replaces "tricky" with a more formal synonym and emphasizes the transportation aspect.

Problematic to move

Indicates that moving the object presents potential issues or complications.

Cumbersome to carry

Highlights the burdensome nature of carrying the item.

Inconvenient to transport

Focuses on the lack of convenience in moving the object.

Complicated to carry

Emphasizes the complex nature of the task of carrying.

Delicate to handle in transit

Highlights the fragile nature of the item and the need for careful handling during transport.

FAQs

How can I use "tricky to carry" in a sentence?

"Tricky to carry" is typically used to describe an item that is difficult to move or transport. Example: "The antique vase was beautiful but "tricky to carry" due to its delicate nature."

What are some alternatives to "tricky to carry"?

Alternatives include "difficult to transport", "hard to handle", or "awkward to move". The best choice depends on the specific reason why the item is difficult to carry.

Is "tricky to carry" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tricky to carry" is grammatically correct and follows standard English sentence structure. It's a common way to describe something that presents challenges in transportation.

When should I use "tricky to carry" versus "difficult to carry"?

While similar, "tricky to carry" suggests a nuanced difficulty, perhaps requiring skill or care, whereas "difficult to carry" implies a more general challenge, often due to weight or size.