a difficult enterprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult enterprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is challenging or requires significant effort to accomplish. Example: "Starting a new business can be a difficult enterprise, requiring careful planning and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Polling is a difficult enterprise nowadays.

The New York Times

The appeals court said, "We recognize that evaluating motive, particularly the motive of dozens of people, is a difficult enterprise.

The New Yorker

Hugely reduced, the Clyde fleet now scrapes the seabed for scallops and prawns, a difficult enterprise that is destroying the habitat upon which hopes of regeneration depend.

The Economist

At Richard Green, a winter skating scene by Pieter Brueghel the Younger demands several minutes' contemplation (always a difficult enterprise at an art fair).

The New York Times - Arts

It is a common preconception that developing and transferring a surgical device into the Operating Room (OR) represents a difficult enterprise.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

A difficult enterprise, no doubt.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

To speak and write honestly in the Soviet Union is still a more difficult enterprise than an American can imagine.

The New Yorker

Jones agrees it is a very difficult enterprise.

BBC

Of course, this is not in itself a problem for linguistic nativists: formulating and testing hypotheses about human cognitive evolution is a massively difficult enterprise, due largely to the difficulty of finding evidence bearing on one's hypothesis.

SEP

Determining the reasons that underlie individual differences in sensitivity is a more difficult enterprise.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Molecular dating is a formidably difficult enterprise due to multiple sources of intrinsic artifacts, yet there is no alternative to it for associating events in the evolution of life with the geological and geochemical history.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a difficult enterprise", ensure the context clearly explains why the enterprise is challenging. Specificity adds impact and clarity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "a difficult enterprise" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a tough job" or "a hard task" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult enterprise" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "enterprise". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing the nature of a particular undertaking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult enterprise" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an undertaking fraught with challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English and carries a neutral to formal tone. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While effective for conveying complexity and the need for careful planning, it may sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider alternative phrases like "a challenging undertaking" or "a tough proposition" to adjust the tone. Be sure to choose the phrase that accurately communicates the nature of the challenge you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problematic undertaking

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", emphasizing potential issues within the enterprise.

a challenging undertaking

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "enterprise" with "undertaking", both implying a task requiring effort.

a complex endeavor

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex" and "enterprise" with "endeavor", highlighting the intricate nature of the task.

a tough proposition

Replaces the formal "enterprise" with the more informal "proposition", suggesting a challenging situation.

a formidable task

Uses "formidable" to emphasize the challenging aspect and "task" as a simpler alternative to "enterprise".

a demanding project

Highlights the effort required by using "demanding" and replaces "enterprise" with "project", focusing on a specific undertaking.

a thorny issue

Shifts the focus to a problematic aspect using "thorny" and the more specific term "issue".

an arduous process

Uses "arduous" to emphasize the labor-intensive aspect and "process" to suggest a series of actions.

a trying situation

Emphasizes the stressful aspect with "trying" and uses the broader term "situation".

a strenuous effort

Emphasizes the energy and effort involved using "strenuous" and "effort".

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult enterprise" to describe any undertaking that requires significant effort and faces considerable challenges. For instance, "Launching a startup is "a difficult enterprise" requiring resilience and dedication".

What are some alternatives to "a difficult enterprise"?

Alternatives include "a challenging endeavor", "a complex undertaking", or "a tough proposition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an difficult enterprise" instead of "a difficult enterprise"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct article to use before "difficult" is "a" because "difficult" begins with a consonant sound.

What is the difference between "a difficult enterprise" and "a complex enterprise"?

"A difficult enterprise" emphasizes the effort and challenges involved, while "a complex enterprise" highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the undertaking.