a difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is challenging or hard to accomplish or understand. Example: "This is a difficult problem that requires careful consideration and analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a difficult question.

The New York Times - Books

It's a difficult one".

BBC

That's a difficult question.

The New York Times

That's a difficult one.

The New York Times

It's a difficult skill.

The New York Times - Books

A difficult girl".

The New Yorker

"That's a difficult change".

The New York Times

It's a difficult balance.

The New Yorker

It's a difficult task.

The Economist

"It's a difficult proposition".

Independent

It's a difficult calculation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Alternatives like "challenging", "complex", or "tough" can offer more precise shades of meaning depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult" as a generic descriptor. Instead, clarify why something is difficult. For example, instead of "a difficult task", specify "a difficult task due to time constraints" or "a difficult task requiring specialized knowledge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its level of challenge or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something challenging, complex, or requiring significant effort. As Ludwig AI points out, its meaning is straightforward, and it's frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "difficult" is versatile, consider alternatives like "challenging", "complex", or "tough" to convey more specific nuances. When using "a difficult", be mindful of the context and clarify why something is difficult to avoid generic descriptions. Overall, it's a reliable and widely understood phrase for expressing complexity or hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging

Emphasizes the stimulating or engaging nature of the difficulty.

a tough

Implies a strong and resilient approach is needed to overcome the difficulty.

a complex

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the difficulty.

a tricky

Suggests the need for caution and cleverness to navigate the difficulty.

a demanding

Focuses on the high level of effort and requirements the difficulty entails.

a problematical

Indicates a situation full of problems and uncertainties.

a complicated

Suggests a situation with a lot of aspects and details that make it hard to understand.

a thorny

Highlights the unpleasant and problematic nature of the difficulty.

a daunting

Emphasizes the intimidating and discouraging aspect of the difficulty.

a laborious

Focuses on the considerable time and effort involved in dealing with the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult" to describe a challenging situation, task, or concept. For example, "It's "a difficult question"" or "That was "a difficult day"".

What are some alternatives to "a difficult"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a challenging", "a tough", or "a complex" to describe something that is not easy.

Is it better to say "a difficult" or "difficult"?

Using "a difficult" is grammatically correct when you're referring to something specific, like "a difficult task". Using "difficult" alone often requires a different sentence structure.

What's the difference between "a difficult" and "a challenging"?

"A difficult" generally refers to something hard to do or understand, while ""a challenging"" implies something that tests your abilities and encourages growth. The choice depends on the specific context.