tricky to trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky to trace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is difficult to follow, locate, or understand, often in contexts related to information, paths, or origins. Example: "The origins of the rumor were tricky to trace, as it had been passed around through various social media platforms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Adrian Baumann, who co-produced the documentary and worked on another short film about Santa Muerte as part of the "Faith in the Five Boroughs" project, said it's tricky to trace the saint's origins.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The course of the flame is a tricky one to trace, and what matters is that in Peter Pan Barrie achieved the rarest alchemy of all, the one that no writer can plan or predict: he invented a myth.

The New Yorker

Although an increase in TSL implies a weakening in the IOS characteristics, the interpretation of the dynamics is tricky since it is difficult to trace out whither the results stem from: TSL consists of a ratio of distorting taxes, and it is difficult to disentangle which of the two is more distortionary.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Now, thanks to a tricky genetic analysis, researchers have managed to trace the origins of the Zoutsteeg Three to at least two distinct linguistic groups in West Africa.

Science Magazine

It's tricky, five years after our wedding day, to trace the exact logic that led me to saying "yes".

Huffington Post

To trace or not to trace?

The Guardian

Harder to trace".

The New York Times

Dr. Gajun wanted to trace missing detainees.

The New York Times

An IP address is easy to trace.

The New York Times - Books

She tried to trace it back.

The New Yorker

Then she begins to trace them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky to trace", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is proving difficult to follow or discover. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky to trace" in situations where simpler alternatives like "hard to find" or "difficult to understand" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky to trace" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied noun, describing something's attribute of being difficult to follow or discover. This aligns with Ludwig's confirmation of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tricky to trace" describes something that presents a challenge to follow or discover. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The phrase conveys a sense of complexity or obscurity, making it suitable for situations where a simple "hard to find" wouldn't fully capture the nuance. To enhance clarity, ensure the context explicitly states what is proving "tricky to trace". Alternatives include "difficult to track down" or "hard to pinpoint", offering similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to track down

Focuses on the difficulty of finding something.

hard to pinpoint

Emphasizes the challenge of identifying something precisely.

challenging to ascertain

Highlights the effort required to determine something.

not easy to follow

Focuses on the complexity of understanding a sequence or path.

tough to identify

Emphasizes the strength of the effort required to recognize something.

obscure to locate

Stresses the hidden or unclear nature of something's location.

complicated to unravel

Focuses on disentangling something complex to understand its origin.

not straightforward to discover

Highlights the indirect route required to find something.

a puzzle to reconstruct

Emphasizes the fragmentary nature of the available information.

laborious to reconstruct

Stresses the effort involved in the reconstruction.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky to trace" to describe something that is difficult to follow or discover. For example, "The source of the rumor was "tricky to trace" because it spread so quickly online."

What phrases are similar to "tricky to trace"?

Similar phrases include "difficult to track down", "hard to pinpoint", or "challenging to ascertain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult to trace" or "tricky to trace"?

Both "difficult to trace" and "tricky to trace" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Tricky" implies a slightly more cunning or deceptive difficulty, while "difficult" is a more general term.

When is it inappropriate to use "tricky to trace"?

Avoid using "tricky to trace" in very simple or informal contexts where a more straightforward phrase like "hard to find" would be more appropriate. The phrase is better suited for situations involving some level of complexity or obscurity.