tricky to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is difficult to keep in good condition or to manage effectively. Example: "The old machinery is quite tricky to maintain, requiring specialized knowledge and frequent repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Which makes it tricky to maintain that the new modes of friendship are eroding friendship itself.

The Guardian - Tech

If it's that single parents aren't going to be supported, the military might have a different sort of problem: a volunteer force would be tricky to maintain without mothers and fathers.

The New Yorker

But, part-time jobs can be tricky to maintain – especially if managers are unsympathetic towards a student's studies, or if they have to travel to get there – which is why it makes sense to look at what's on offer on your university's campus.

Independent

And yet she seems reluctant to trust her own background or instincts here … Consistency in group biographies is essential but tricky to maintain … Garnett has some very juicy material at her fingertips, but there is little new for the reader to discover".

The Guardian - Books

That's why diets are so tricky to maintain.

Forbes

De Giuli says that it's tricky to maintain an abstract narrative when it's based on visual illusion.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

OK, but will it be trickier to maintain the enthusiasm of the have-nots excluded from the bonus bonanza?

The Guardian - Business

I used to use my car-repair schedule to track what is becoming, in my 40s, trickier and trickier to maintain: my health.

The New York Times - Magazine

Other knock-on savings, such as cheaper air tickets, have not materialised.In light of reports such as last week's, Mr Abbott's position will become trickier to maintain.

The Economist

The temperature is trickier to maintain than in a conventional oven, but in practice this doesn't matter too much as long as you top up with additional fuel when necessary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spring guns are very reliable, but have a slow rate of fire (ROF), Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs), have a high ROF, but are trickier to maintain.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system, use "tricky to maintain" to highlight potential difficulties in keeping it operational or in good condition.

Common error

Avoid overuse; for scenarios requiring constant minor adjustments, consider "fussy to maintain" or "finicky to maintain" instead of always relying on "tricky to maintain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky to maintain" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing a quality of something that makes it difficult to keep in good condition or to manage effectively, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tricky to maintain" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes something difficult to keep in good condition or manage effectively. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides several examples from various reputable sources. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and technical domains. For alternative phrasing, consider "difficult to sustain" or "challenging to uphold" for similar meanings. Remember to avoid overuse and choose the most appropriate term based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to sustain

Focuses on the challenge of continuation rather than the complexity of upkeep.

challenging to uphold

Emphasizes the difficulty in preserving or defending something.

hard to preserve

Highlights the effort required to keep something in its original condition.

tough to keep up

Focuses on the effort required to continue doing something or adhering to a standard.

complicated to manage

Highlights the intricate nature of handling something, differing from simple upkeep.

delicate to handle

Implies that the subject requires special care and precision.

awkward to perpetuate

Suggests something is difficult or uncomfortable to keep going.

precarious to continue

Indicates the subject is potentially unstable or risky to keep going.

risky to preserve

Indicates the subject is dangerous to keep going.

uneasy to perpetuate

Implies a sense of discomfort or anxiety in continuing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky to maintain" to describe something that is difficult to keep in good condition or manage effectively. For example, "The antique car is "tricky to maintain", requiring specialized knowledge and frequent repairs."

What are some alternatives to "tricky to maintain"?

Alternatives include "difficult to sustain", "challenging to uphold", or "hard to preserve", depending on the specific context.

Is "tricky to maintain" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tricky to maintain" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to describe something that presents difficulties in upkeep or management.

What makes something "tricky to maintain"?

Something might be "tricky to maintain" due to its complexity, the need for specialized skills, or the requirement for frequent attention and adjustments.