a difficult fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a truth or reality that is hard to accept or deal with. Example: "The report revealed a difficult fact that many in the community were not prepared to face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This can be a difficult fact to accept for many of us.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the tone of the GOP's response highlighted a difficult fact to deal with in the two years before the next presidential election: Republicans are making an argument that is often negative, leaving Obama and Democrats to strike a more positive tone as unemployment continues to fall and hiring improves.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But a more difficult fact may be facing the industry: Much of the low-hanging fruit in areas such as heart disease may have already been plucked.

Forbes

Although it is understandable that some would like to turn away from this difficult fact, there is a kind of solace offered by stories that show us how endangered orphans or weary detectives go on living.

The New York Times

At a future conference – 2013 perhaps – there will be serious trouble for the leadership when the party confronts this difficult fact.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even snobbish aristos have been known to ride bicycles; and "playing sports" is not necessarily proof of good character.Still, while Mr Echikson does not disguise his likes and dislikes, he is also too honest a reporter to leave out difficult facts and dissenting opinions.

The Economist

He is going to have to contend with some difficult facts, like those in a new paper by the economist Emmanuel Saez of the University of California, Berkeley.

The New York Times

Because of their Christian idea – based on none of the kind of difficult facts Missourians claim (or at least claimed) to value – that a soul magically infuses a fertilized egg cell at the moment of conception.

The Guardian - Opinion

More often, however, the family wants to keep difficult facts from the patient.

The New York Times - Health

It requires confronting difficult facts – about yourself and about the world.

The Guardian - Books

Set in the remote mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan, it would be a difficult exercise in fact-checking for any publisher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a difficult fact" when you want to acknowledge a truth that is not easy to accept or deal with. Be mindful of the emotional impact it may have on your audience.

Common error

Avoid softening "a difficult fact" with overly gentle language if directness is crucial for clarity and impact. While tact is important, obscuring the truth can undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult fact" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "fact". It serves to identify a piece of information that presents a challenge or is hard to accept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult fact" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a piece of information that is challenging or unpleasant to accept. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While not exceedingly common, its usage appears consistently in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. Consider using semantically similar alternatives such as "a challenging truth" or "an inconvenient truth" to vary your writing. When using this phrase, ensure you are aware of the potential emotional impact and tailor your language accordingly. Avoid softening the blow with overly gentle language because directness is crucial for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging truth

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the effort required to confront the fact.

an inconvenient truth

Highlights the troublesome or awkward nature of the fact.

a hard reality

Substitutes "fact" with "reality", stressing the concrete and unavoidable nature of the situation.

an unpleasant reality

Focuses on the negative or disagreeable aspect of the fact.

a bitter pill to swallow

Uses an idiom to convey the idea that accepting the fact is unpleasant.

a tough pill to swallow

Uses an idiom to convey the idea that accepting the fact is challenging.

a harsh truth

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the fact.

a sobering reality

Highlights the serious and thought-provoking nature of the fact.

a stark reality

Highlights the harshness and bluntness of the fact.

a grim reality

Highlights the somber and depressing nature of the fact.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult fact" to introduce a piece of information that is challenging or unpleasant to acknowledge. For example: "The report revealed "a difficult fact" about the company's environmental impact".

What are some alternatives to "a difficult fact"?

Some alternatives include "a challenging truth", "an inconvenient truth", or "a hard reality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a difficult fact" a formal or informal expression?

"A difficult fact" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the overall tone of your writing will influence its perceived formality.

When should I use "a difficult fact" instead of "a simple truth"?

Use "a difficult fact" when the truth is not only a fact but also poses a challenge, requires acceptance of something unpleasant, or necessitates a difficult decision. If the truth is straightforward and easy to accept, "a simple truth" may be more appropriate.