a difficult argument to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult argument to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a complex or challenging point of view or reasoning that requires careful consideration or analysis. Example: "The author presents a difficult argument to refute, as it is supported by substantial evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And that's a difficult argument to counter.

The New Yorker

It's a difficult argument to make.

The Guardian - Business

But that can be a difficult argument to make, especially when someone is feeling aggravated and desperately seeking answers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The defense can also claim that there was insufficient evidence to convict Mr. Gupta, but that is a difficult argument to win on appeal.

The New York Times

"I find that a difficult argument to sustain because the logical chain seems too deep," says Richard Wrangham, a chimp expert at Harvard.

The New York Times - Science

It's a difficult argument to make that in the off-season when they're being protected by treble damages that they're suffering irreparable harm".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

That seems a very difficult argument to support.

The Economist

When you think about it, this is a pretty difficult argument to give substance to: How would the harm be wrought, exactly?

The New Yorker

(Nash, to his credit, wants to play out his contract, because he's in favor of getting paid another $9m, which is a rather difficult argument to counter).

The Guardian - Sport

It is a nuanced, difficult argument to make as his party, the right-of-center National Action Party, faces the real prospect of losing the presidency, raising the question of whether Mr. Calderón's approach will continue after his six-year term ends next year.

The New York Times

Probably because it's a very difficult argument to make.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult argument to", ensure that the surrounding context clarifies the specific nature of the difficulty. Is it hard to understand, hard to prove, or hard to accept?

Common error

Avoid pairing "a difficult argument to" with other vague qualifiers. Instead of saying "a very difficult argument to", provide specific details about the challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult argument to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied verb, typically related to understanding, refuting, or supporting an argument. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often introduces a statement that requires further explanation or justification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult argument to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a claim that presents significant challenges in terms of understanding, proving, or refuting it. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's crucial to clarify the specific nature of the difficulty and avoid overuse with vague qualifiers. Found across various sources, from news and media to scientific publications, this phrase is best suited for neutral and formal contexts. While alternatives such as ""a challenging case to"" or ""a complex point to"" may suit specific nuances, "a difficult argument to" remains a versatile choice for expressing complexity and skepticism in arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex point to

Substitutes "argument" with "point", highlighting the intricate nature of the idea being presented.

a challenging case to

Replaces "argument" with "case", emphasizing the complexity of a situation rather than a verbal dispute.

a tough claim to

Replaces "argument" with "claim", focusing on the strength needed to support the statement.

a hard position to

Swaps "argument" with "position", stressing the difficulty in maintaining or defending a particular stance.

a problematic idea to

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", shifting the emphasis to the issues associated with the argument.

a nuanced position to

Replaces "difficult" with "nuanced", focusing on the subtle differences in the stance being presented.

an intricate matter to

Changes the term "argument" to "matter", underscoring the convoluted nature of the subject.

a subtle contention to

Uses "subtle" instead of "difficult", emphasizing the understated and nuanced nature of the argument.

a demanding task to

Changes the focus from a verbal dispute to a general task that requires significant effort.

a strenuous assertion to

Replaces "difficult" with "strenuous", highlighting the effort required to put forward the assertion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult argument to" to describe a claim or viewpoint that is challenging to support, understand, or refute. For example: "His theory presents "a difficult argument to" disprove given the current data."

What are some alternatives to "a difficult argument to"?

Alternatives include "a challenging case to", "a complex point to", or "a tough claim to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a difficult argument to make" or "a difficult argument to prove"?

The best choice depends on the context. "A difficult argument to make" suggests the challenge lies in formulating and presenting the argument. "A difficult argument to prove" suggests the challenge lies in providing sufficient evidence or justification.

What makes an argument "a difficult argument to" address?

An argument might be "a difficult argument to" address if it is based on complex data, deeply held beliefs, or requires specialized knowledge to understand fully. It could also be difficult if the argument has strong emotional appeal or lacks clear logical flaws.