Difficult to accept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Difficult to accept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation, fact, or outcome that is hard for someone to come to terms with or acknowledge. Example: "The news of the company's closure was difficult to accept for all the employees who had dedicated years of service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's difficult to accept defeat.

The New York Times

It is really difficult to accept.

The Guardian - Sport

"Some things I found difficult to accept.

The New Yorker

"They found it difficult to accept this".

The New York Times

"This would be very difficult to accept".

The New York Times

"People find it difficult to accept.

The New York Times - Science

"It was difficult to accept here.

The Guardian

"I find that very difficult to accept.

The Guardian

"I found it all difficult to accept," he said.

The New York Times

So for the wife, this was really difficult to accept.

The New York Times

"It's difficult to accept those patients and stay in business".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Difficult to accept" when you want to express that something is hard to believe, understand, or come to terms with. It's suitable for conveying a sense of disbelief, frustration, or disappointment.

Common error

While "Difficult to accept" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in very informal settings where simpler expressions like "hard to believe" or "tough to take" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Difficult to accept" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an infinitive. It expresses the degree of challenge associated with the act of accepting something. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is often used to describe situations that are hard to believe or come to terms with.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Difficult to accept" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the challenge of acknowledging or coming to terms with something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles, it's most frequently found in news and media, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, consider the subtle differences in meaning compared to its alternatives like "hard to swallow" or "challenging to come to terms with" to ensure it aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hard to swallow

Emphasizes the unpleasantness of accepting something.

Challenging to come to terms with

Highlights the struggle involved in accepting something.

Not easy to believe

Focuses on the incredulity associated with the situation.

Hard to stomach

Implies a strong aversion to accepting something.

Tough to take

Highlights the emotional difficulty in accepting something.

Unpalatable to consider

Emphasizes the disagreeable nature of the matter.

A bitter pill to swallow

Emphasizes the unpleasantness and inevitability of accepting something.

Not readily acceptable

Focuses on the lack of immediate acceptance.

Demands serious consideration

Shifts focus to the need for thorough deliberation before accepting something.

Presents considerable challenges

Emphasizes the obstacles involved in accepting something.

FAQs

How can I use "Difficult to accept" in a sentence?

You can use "Difficult to accept" to describe a situation or fact that is hard to believe or come to terms with. For example, "It was "difficult to accept" that the team lost the game after playing so well."

What can I say instead of "Difficult to accept"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to swallow", "challenging to come to terms with", or "tough to take" depending on the context.

What makes something "Difficult to accept"?

Something becomes "Difficult to accept" when it contradicts your expectations, beliefs, or desires. It often involves a sense of disbelief, disappointment, or frustration.

Is it better to say "Difficult to accept" or "Hard to accept"?

Both "Difficult to accept" and "Hard to accept" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Difficult to accept" might be considered slightly more formal than "Hard to accept", but the choice depends on the context and your personal preference.