I find it difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"I find it difficult" is a perfectly valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It expresses the speaker's (or writer's) feeling of difficulty when faced with a certain task or situation. For example: "I find it difficult to understand why my boss always seems so angry with me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I find it difficult to explain.

Independent

I find it difficult to connect.

The New York Times

"I find it difficult," he says, softly.

Independent

"I find it difficult to find words.

The Guardian

I find it difficult to be away.

The Guardian

For example, I find it difficult to give sincere gifts.

The New York Times

Ms. Levy observed: "I find it difficult to shop.

The New York Times

I find it difficult to keep it out".

The New York Times

"I find it difficult going there," he said.

The New York Times

I find it difficult to find a pattern.

The New York Times

I find it difficult to believe it would succeed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "hard", "challenging", or "tough" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "I find it difficult" as a way to distance yourself from responsibility. Instead of saying "I find it difficult to make decisions", try "I struggle with making decisions" to show more direct ownership.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I find it difficult" functions as a statement of personal experience, expressing a subjective feeling of challenge or struggle. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this phrase used across diverse scenarios, from understanding complex concepts to performing specific tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I find it difficult" is a versatile phrase used to express a personal experience of challenge or struggle. As shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both news and media and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is key. Make sure to specify what exactly you are finding difficult, and don't be afraid to use synonyms like "hard", "challenging", or "tough" to add variety to your writing. Remember that the meaning can subtly shift the emphasis on the inherent challenge of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm finding it hard to

Direct synonym replacing "difficult" with "hard".

I'm finding it tough to

Direct synonym replacing "difficult" with "tough".

I'm struggling with

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to overcome a challenge.

I'm having trouble with

Highlights the presence of an issue hindering progress.

It's proving difficult for me

Highlights the ongoing nature of the difficulty.

I'm challenged by

Focuses on the stimulating yet demanding nature of a situation.

I'm not very good at

Indicates a lack of proficiency or skill in a particular area.

It's a challenge for me

Shifts the focus to the situation being a challenge.

I'm not comfortable with

Indicates a lack of ease or familiarity.

I'm uneasy about

Expresses a feeling of apprehension or anxiety.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I find it difficult"?

Saying "I find it difficult" expresses that you are experiencing some level of challenge or struggle with a particular task, concept, or situation.

How can I replace "I find it difficult" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "I'm struggling with", "I'm having trouble with", or "It's a challenge for me" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I find it difficult" or "I have difficulty"?

Both "I find it difficult" and "I have difficulty" are grammatically correct, but "I find it difficult" is more conversational. The best choice depends on the formality of your writing.

What's the difference between "I find it difficult" and "It's difficult for me"?

While similar, "I find it difficult" emphasizes your personal experience, while "It's difficult for me" places more focus on the inherent challenge of the situation. They are often interchangeable, but the subtle shift can impact tone.