tricky to operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky to operate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult or complicated to use or manage, often referring to machinery, devices, or systems. Example: "The new software is quite powerful, but it's also tricky to operate for beginners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's tricky to operate it without using Bose's SoundTouch app, which is an unnecessarily layer of mediocre user experience.

The Guardian - Tech

As big finds become rarer, producers are focusing on how to extract oil from smaller reservoirs that can be geologically or technically tricky to operate.

The Economist

They're tricky to operate, though, and their use by wizards is highly regulated by magical authorities, so check your local laws.

The New York Times

The scroll wheel is sunk far enough down into the hood that it's a bit tricky to operate, especially clicking the wheel.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The older trains were much trickier to operate than the new ones, Mr. Rubino said, but they also allowed train operators to demonstrate their skills.

The New York Times

The iOS version is cuter, thanks to its icons and cleaner design; the Android version is trickier to operate (I found it hard to see the little "save" icon when setting the time for a reminder, for example).

The New York Times - Tech

Williams said it would be "politically" tricky for Google to operate any service in North Korea unless it coincided with more freedoms for ordinary citizens.

The Guardian

But however tricky it proves to operate, the software is likely to be a good deal more useful than anything else Dr Fox's team brings back from its fraternal visit.

The Economist

Turnout data is tricky to work with.

The New York Times

China has also been a tricky market for Nintendo to operate within thanks to a ban on video game consoles first instituted in 2000 and lifted only in 2015.

TechCrunch

Grocery is a much trickier and cost-heavy business to operate given the short shelf life of many of its products, and the need for more rigorous climate controls during transportation and storage, which means it's more difficult to scale.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing user interfaces or software, use "tricky to operate" to highlight usability issues. For instance: "While powerful, the software's advanced features can be tricky to operate without proper training."

Common error

While "tricky to operate" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical documentation. Instead, opt for more precise terms like "complex", "challenging", or "requires specialized knowledge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky to operate" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a verb, describing the level of difficulty or complexity involved in using or managing something. As Ludwig AI reports, it's a phrase in regular use, and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky to operate" is a useful phrase for describing something that requires skill or care to use. While grammatically sound and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's essential to consider context and formality. In professional or technical settings, alternatives like "complex" or "challenging" might be more fitting. When describing user experiences or design flaws, "tricky to operate" serves as an effective way to communicate usability issues. Remember to be creative, be smart and be original in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to use

Focuses on the difficulty of usage.

challenging to handle

Emphasizes the challenge in handling something.

complicated to manage

Highlights the complexity of managing a system or device.

hard to manipulate

Focuses on the physical manipulation aspect.

awkward to control

Implies a lack of ease in controlling something.

cumbersome to employ

Suggests that the process of using the thing is inefficient or tedious.

complex to utilize

Emphasizes the complexity of the utilization process.

delicate to work with

Highlights the sensitivity required while working with something.

problematic to employ

Emphasizes the potential problems while employing something.

arduous to employ

Suggests the activity is strenuous or taxing to employ.

FAQs

What does "tricky to operate" mean?

The phrase "tricky to operate" means something is difficult or complex to use or manage. It often implies that a degree of skill or care is needed to use the item effectively.

What can I say instead of "tricky to operate"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to use", "challenging to handle", or "complicated to manage" depending on the context.

Is "tricky to operate" formal or informal?

The phrase "tricky to operate" is generally considered neutral but may lean towards informal. In more formal or technical writing, alternatives like "complex" or "challenging" might be more appropriate.

How to use "tricky to operate" in a sentence?

You can use "tricky to operate" to describe devices, software, or procedures. For example, "The older model is reliable, but the new one is "complex to operate"".