tricky wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky wording" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language that is difficult to understand or that may lead to confusion due to its complexity or ambiguity. Example: "The instructions were filled with tricky wording, making it hard for the team to follow them accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

During the mornings, instructors led sessions on topics ranging from tricky wording in cereal ads (cereal is part of a balanced breakfast, not a balanced breakfast on its own) to digital manipulation and distortion of body images.

The New York Times

Malpass: But remember the tricky wording they used.

Forbes

Part of that was Gokivo's somewhat tricky wording when the app first launched.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Sophisticated" is a tricky word.

The New Yorker

"It has been a tricky word," she told Watson.

Independent

He interrupted himself: "God these are very tricky words".

The New York Times - Books

She added: "It has been a tricky word.

The Guardian

But as this whole exercise proves, it's a tricky word, radical.

The Guardian - Opinion

This tricky word illustrates some of the pitfalls of biblical translation.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this context, you still don't hear that tricky word "excellence" very often.

The Guardian

Looking up a tricky word or unknown fact in the book is easily accomplished through a quick Google search.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or contractual contexts, scrutinize every clause for "tricky wording" that could create loopholes or disadvantage one party.

Common error

Don't assume that "tricky wording" is always intentional deception. Sometimes it arises from a lack of clarity or an attempt to address multiple perspectives simultaneously.

Linguistic Context

"Tricky wording" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate that the language used is deceptive, complex, or misleading. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts to highlight potentially problematic language.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky wording" refers to language designed to mislead or confuse through complexity or ambiguity. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that it is grammatically correct, though relatively rare, and primarily found in News & Media. When encountering it, be alert to the subtle implications and potential for misinterpretation. Related phrases include "deceptive phrasing" and "ambiguous language". Be aware that while it may not always be intentional, recognizing tricky wording is crucial for critical thinking and informed decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceptive phrasing

Emphasizes the intent to mislead or deceive through the choice of words.

ambiguous language

Highlights the lack of clarity and potential for multiple interpretations.

misleading terminology

Focuses on the use of specific terms that lead to incorrect conclusions.

artful ambiguity

Suggests a skillful use of vagueness, possibly for strategic purposes.

equivocal language

Highlights the use of language that can be interpreted in more than one way, especially to mislead or conceal the truth.

subtle manipulation of language

Emphasizes the delicate and skillful use of language to influence perception.

cagey phrasing

Suggests a guarded or secretive way of expressing something.

crafty language

Implies cleverness and resourcefulness in the use of language, potentially for self-serving purposes.

obtuse phrasing

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and ease of understanding in the wording.

sophisticated obfuscation

Highlights a complex and refined way of making something unclear or unintelligible.

FAQs

What does "tricky wording" mean?

"Tricky wording" refers to language that is deliberately complex, ambiguous, or misleading, often used to obscure the true meaning or intent.

How can I identify "tricky wording"?

Look for sentences that are overly convoluted, use vague or undefined terms, or present information in a way that seems technically accurate but practically deceptive. Consider alternatives like "deceptive phrasing" or "ambiguous language".

What are some examples of "tricky wording"?

Examples include phrases in advertisements that imply benefits without explicitly stating them, or legal jargon that obscures the actual terms of an agreement. Identifying it often requires careful analysis of the specific "context".

What's the difference between "tricky wording" and lying?

"Tricky wording" may not involve direct falsehoods but uses ambiguity and implication to create a misleading impression. Lying involves explicitly stating something known to be untrue. Consider alternatives like "misleading terminology".