a difficult ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult ask" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a challenge that is difficult to complete, or a request that is hard to fulfill. For example, "Teaching the class about advanced physics is a difficult ask, but I'm sure I can do it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But he admitted that doing so would prove "quite a difficult ask".

The Guardian

It was a difficult ask from about ten feet and he rolls it around the cup.

The Guardian - Sport

I get disappointed but much of the time it's a difficult ask to keep all the parties happy".

Independent

Attacking the incumbent government's record on austerity is also a difficult ask for the socialists, who signed up to the bailout programme before they were ousted in 2011.

The Guardian

Though the government's decision is a difficult ask of them, they are best placed to manage and prioritise resources and I am confident they will with the least possible impact".

The Guardian

The equation now was that if PSG could be held then a draw would be a fine result, though given the holes drilled through City's rearguard it appeared a difficult ask.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But on past form, a top-four finish seems a distinctly difficult ask.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a hugely difficult ask," Rodgers admits.

Independent

"Any score above 300 is a very difficult ask.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a more difficult ask, since Democrats only hold 193 seats there.

TechCrunch

Natalie Portman recently spoke at a Variety event and said: "If a man says a woman is crazy or difficult, ask him, 'What bad thing did you do to her?' That's a code word.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a difficult ask" when you want to gently express that a request or task is challenging without being overly negative. It's suitable for professional and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, "a difficult ask" can sometimes sound too casual for very formal reports or academic papers. In those cases, consider more formal alternatives like "a significant challenge" or "a demanding endeavor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult ask" functions as a noun phrase that describes something that is hard to achieve or accomplish. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to describe a challenge that's difficult to complete or a request that is hard to fulfill. This is evident in examples where it's used to describe challenges in politics, sports, and general life scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult ask" is a commonly used phrase to describe something that is challenging to achieve or a request that is hard to fulfill. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples from reputable sources, such as news and media outlets. While versatile, it is important to consider the context and audience when using the phrase, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone and serves to realistically assess the degree of difficulty associated with a task or request, as highlighted by Ludwig's analysis and examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tall order

This emphasizes the ambitious or demanding nature of the task.

a challenging task

Highlights the difficulty and effort required.

a demanding request

Focuses on the onerous nature of what is being asked.

a formidable undertaking

Implies a significant and possibly daunting project.

a Herculean effort

Suggests that immense strength or effort is needed.

a tough proposition

Highlights the problematic aspects and potential for failure.

a hard thing to accomplish

Directly states the difficulty of achieving the goal.

a complicated endeavor

Highlights complexity and potential for confusion.

a problematic issue

Focuses on the troubles and obstacles involved.

an uphill battle

Emphasizes the struggle and resistance faced.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult ask" to describe a task or request that is challenging to fulfill. For example, "Convincing the board to approve the budget will be "a difficult ask"."

What's a similar phrase to "a difficult ask"?

Alternatives to "a difficult ask" include phrases like "a tall order", "a challenging task", or "a demanding request".

Is "a difficult ask" formal or informal?

"A difficult ask" sits in a neutral to slightly informal register. It's widely understood and used in various settings, but might be replaced with more formal language in certain contexts, such as official reports.

Can "a difficult ask" be used for both tasks and requests?

Yes, "a difficult ask" can apply to both tasks and requests that present significant challenges. It emphasizes the difficulty in achieving the desired outcome, whether it's completing a task or getting a request granted.