tricky to manage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky to manage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation, task, or object that is difficult to handle or control effectively. Example: "The new software has many features, but it's quite tricky to manage for beginners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"It's very tricky to manage something like that," Ms. Porter added.

The New York Times - Arts

"It has been tricky to manage on jobseeker's allowance," said Whitaker, sanguine.

The Guardian

In practice, though, it is quite tricky to manage this in a technology-intensive industry.

MIT Technology Review

Love hotels, while tricky to manage, are attractive to investors because of their stable, strong cash flow and high yields.

The New York Times

He conceded, of course, that public opinion could be tricky to manage in a high-stakes sales environment.

The New York Times

Because it can be so tricky to manage, diabetes is a poster child for patient monitoring systems.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

And this may prove ever trickier to manage.

The Economist

Brunettes, I have always reckoned, are much trickier to manage.

The New York Times - Style

But with two or more big arguments, things get much trickier to manage.

The Economist

The cooling in China's investment boom will thus be trickiest to manage in Congo, Guinea and perhaps Zambia.Still, China's slowdown and structural change may also be an opportunity for Africa.

The Economist

So far, Russia's campaign in Syria has given Putin a seemingly cost-free propaganda boost, but, with the Russian losses at Deir Ezzor coming a month before Putin is up for reëlection, things may get trickier to manage.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky to manage", ensure the context clearly identifies what is creating the difficulty. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky to manage" without providing context. Instead of saying 'The project is tricky to manage', specify the challenge: 'The project is tricky to manage due to its tight deadline and limited resources'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky to manage" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a verb, modifying a noun or situation by describing it as difficult or requiring careful handling. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a state or condition needing specific skills to handle effectively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

19%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky to manage" is a commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the difficulty or complexity of handling a particular situation or task. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase enjoys broad acceptance and is considered grammatically sound. It's usage spans across various contexts, with a higher prevalence in News & Media, Scientific and Academic writing. When using the phrase, it's best practice to provide specific context to clarify the source of difficulty. Alternatives such as "difficult to handle" or "challenging to oversee" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to handle

Emphasizes the difficulty in physically or practically dealing with something.

challenging to oversee

Highlights the demanding nature of supervising or directing a process.

hard to control

Focuses on the lack of ability to regulate or direct something effectively.

complex to administer

Points out the intricate nature of managing or governing something.

delicate to navigate

Suggests a situation requiring careful and sensitive handling.

awkward to deal with

Implies a situation that is uncomfortable or embarrassing to manage.

complicated to execute

Emphasizes the complex steps needed to carry out a plan effectively.

sensitive to maneuver

Highlights the need for careful and precise actions to avoid negative consequences.

unwieldy to operate

Suggests something is difficult to manage due to its size or complexity.

problematic to regulate

Indicates issues when trying to maintain control according to established rules.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky to manage" to describe something that requires careful handling or is difficult to control, such as, "Balancing work and personal life can be "tricky to manage", especially with demanding deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "tricky to manage"?

Some alternatives to "tricky to manage" include "difficult to handle", "challenging to oversee", or "hard to control", depending on the specific context.

Is "tricky to manage" formal or informal?

"Tricky to manage" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional settings.

What makes something "tricky to manage"?

Something might be "tricky to manage" due to its complexity, sensitivity, or the need for specific skills or knowledge. It implies that careful planning and execution are required to avoid problems.