tricky to determine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky to determine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is difficult to figure out or assess. Example: "The results of the experiment were tricky to determine due to the numerous variables involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This is where it gets tricky to determine just how good of a deal Ooma really is.

The New York Times

Because of the heterogeneous nature of composites, the thermal conductivity tensor appears to be the most tricky to determine experimentally but also to model.

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

It is tricky to determine which version of the chip is installed in a particular phone, but some apps such as Lirum Device Info can tell owners.

The Guardian - Tech

Formal definitions of terrorism typically rest on motive, which can be tricky to determine, particularly in the immediate moments after an attack.

The New York Times

People will choose and adhere better to a regime of activities that they find more enjoyable, so it is tricky to determine scientifically whether any particular brain training package or cognitive pursuit is really actively supporting healthy brain function.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's tricky to determine, certainly, but one way may be that a large chunk of Democrats feel that their party is united in a vision … that's at odds with the concerns of the American public.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This can be trickier to determine, but census forms used to include questions about languages spoken.

The Washington Post

But for all the progress veterinarians have made in diagnosing and treating the disorder, it has been far trickier to determine its origin.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it's far trickier to determine brand strength or the role a brand plays in purchasing decisions.

Forbes

The head count for Spinoza is a bit trickier to determine, but the third book of his Ethics (ms. 1675) defines at least forty affects.

SEP

For that reason, the lifetime value of a conversion is more important than the first transactional amount, which may be what you see in Google Analytics and can be a little trickier to determine.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for stronger alternatives if you want to convey the fact that the thing you are talking about is not just difficult, but impossible to determine.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky to determine" when the determination is simply time-consuming or requires effort, but is ultimately straightforward. Reserve it for situations where genuine ambiguity or complexity exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky to determine" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the action of determining something is difficult or complex. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tricky to determine" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is difficult or complex to figure out. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While it's versatile enough for both formal and informal settings, its use should be reserved for situations with genuine ambiguity. Alternatives like "difficult to ascertain" or "challenging to discern" can offer nuanced variations. When using this phrase, make sure to clarify what makes the determination difficult. As Ludwig shows, understanding the nuances of this phrase can improve clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to ascertain

Emphasizes the level of difficulty in finding something out.

hard to establish

Highlights the effort needed to prove something.

challenging to discern

Focuses on the difficulty in perceiving or recognizing something.

complex to figure out

Highlights the intricacy involved in understanding something.

problematic to identify

Emphasizes the potential issues or obstacles in recognizing something.

not easy to pinpoint

Stresses the lack of precision in locating something.

tough to work out

Emphasizes the effort involved in solving or understanding something.

delicate to assess

Highlights the need for careful consideration in evaluating something.

subtle to identify

Focuses on the faint or understated nature of what needs to be recognized.

requires careful consideration to determine

Suggests the need for thoughtful analysis before a decision can be made.

FAQs

What does "tricky to determine" mean?

It means something is difficult or complicated to figure out or ascertain.

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

For example, "It's "tricky to determine" which version of the chip is installed in a particular phone."

What are some alternatives to "tricky to determine"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to ascertain", "hard to establish", or "challenging to discern" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "tricky to determine"?

Use it when you want to convey that identifying or understanding something is not straightforward and involves complexities or uncertainties. Avoid using it when something is only slightly difficult.