Find it difficult to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Find it difficult to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a challenge or struggle with a particular task or situation. Example: "Many students find it difficult to balance their studies and part-time jobs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Find it difficult to make a decision?

The New York Times - Tech

I would find it difficult to argue.

The Guardian

I find it difficult to explain.

Independent

Did he find it difficult to cope?

The New York Times

I find it difficult to connect.

The New York Times

"People find it difficult to accept.

The New York Times - Science

"I find it difficult to find words.

The Guardian

I find it difficult to be away.

The Guardian

Many students find it difficult to engage with mathematical concepts.

Computers & Education

"Bureaucracies find it difficult to detect and mitigate insider threats.

Cornell University

We find it difficult to bewail their absence.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "find it difficult to" with more specific alternatives like "struggle", "have trouble", or "lack the ability" for increased precision and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "find it difficult to" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "It is found difficult to understand the report", try "Readers find it difficult to understand the report" for a more direct and engaging statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find it difficult to" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a perceived challenge or inability. It indicates the subject's experience of difficulty in performing a specific action. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "find it difficult to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone experiences a challenge or struggle with a particular task or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. Consider replacing it with more specific alternatives like "struggle to" or "have trouble with" for greater precision. Remember to maintain clarity by clearly identifying who is experiencing the difficulty. Avoid overuse in passive constructions for a more direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Struggle to

Implies a sustained effort against resistance, suggesting more active engagement with the difficulty.

Have trouble with

Indicates a problem or difficulty encountered, often in a specific instance or area.

Have a hard time

Suggests an unpleasant or challenging experience in performing an action or dealing with a situation.

Find it challenging to

Emphasizes the stimulating or demanding nature of the task, focusing on the challenge rather than the inability.

Experience difficulty in

More formal and emphasizes the sensation or state of encountering obstacles.

Find it tough to

Similar to "difficult", but may connote a sense of resilience in attempting to overcome the problem.

Am unable to

States a lack of ability or capacity, offering a direct and assertive meaning.

Cannot easily

Highlights that performing the action is not straightforward or simple.

Am not good at

Indicates a lack of skill or proficiency in performing a certain action or activity.

Lack the ability to

A more formal way of stating that one does not have the necessary skill or capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "find it difficult to" in a sentence?

You can use "find it difficult to" to express that someone struggles with a particular task or situation. For example, "Many students "find it difficult to balance" their studies and part-time jobs".

What are some alternatives to "find it difficult to"?

You can use alternatives like "struggle to", "have trouble with", or "have a hard time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am finding it difficult to"?

Yes, using the present continuous tense "I am finding it difficult to" is grammatically correct. It suggests that the difficulty is ongoing or temporary. However, "I find it difficult to" is also correct and suggests a more general or habitual difficulty.

What's the difference between "find it difficult to" and "find it challenging to"?

"Find it difficult to" implies a struggle or problem, while "find it challenging to" emphasizes the stimulating or demanding nature of the task. "Difficult" focuses on the struggle, while "challenging" focuses on the positive aspects of overcoming an obstacle.