a difficult group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult group" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection of individuals or entities that present challenges in terms of cooperation, understanding, or management. Example: "Working with a difficult group can often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that need to be addressed promptly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're a difficult group, but great jurors".

The New York Times

"It is a difficult group but we will come prepared".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a difficult group to recruit from," Mr. Cressie said.

The New York Times

Only 20, Eriksen will play behind Nicklas Bendtner in a difficult group.

The Guardian - Sport

As at Euro 2012, Ireland have been placed in a difficult group.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a difficult group and to qualify with two games to spare is an incredible achievement.

The Guardian - Sport

That is your target group, and it is a difficult group to read".

The New York Times

"City had a difficult group and don't have much experience in Europe.

Independent

Instead the side that are seventh in Ligue 1 flourished in Europe, finishing top of a difficult group.

The Guardian - Sport

Chávez is clear, though, about what the squad's ambitions are for Brazil: We're in a difficult group.

The Guardian - Sport

"From the day I saw the group I thought it would be a difficult group for us," said Di Matteo.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. Using "a difficult group" can sound negative, so weigh the benefits of alternative phrases. For instance, in a professional setting, "a challenging team" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult group" without providing specific details. Simply labeling a group as difficult without further explanation can be vague and uninformative. Instead, highlight the specific behaviors or circumstances that make the group challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult group" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It qualifies a noun (group) by attributing the adjective "difficult", as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. This combination serves to characterize the group based on its challenging nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a difficult group" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a collection of individuals that presents challenges. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific research. While "a difficult group" is widely accepted, the phrase carries a negative tone, it's crucial to consider the audience and choose a more neutral alternative such as "a challenging team" when appropriate. To avoid overgeneralization, ensure to specify the source of the difficulty when using the term in writing. This analysis, in line with Ludwig's feedback, should equip you with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use and interpret "a difficult group" in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging team

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", focusing on the stimulating nature of the difficulty.

a problematic set

Uses "problematic" to emphasize the issues caused by the group.

a tough crowd

Employs a more informal term, "tough", to describe the group's demanding nature.

an uncooperative bunch

Highlights the lack of collaboration within the group.

a hard-to-manage team

Focuses specifically on the difficulties in managing the group.

a demanding assembly

Stresses the high expectations and needs of the group.

a trying collective

Uses "trying" to express the frustrating nature of dealing with the group.

a recalcitrant body

Emphasizes the group's resistance to authority or control.

a thorny issue

Moves from describing a group of people to the issue that group is creating.

an unruly gathering

Puts focus on the unruliness behaviour.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult group" to describe a collection of individuals that presents challenges. For example: "The project was delayed due to "a difficult group" of jurors who hated authority."

What are some alternatives to saying "a difficult group"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a challenging team", "a tough crowd", or "a problematic set".

Is it always negative to describe a group as "a difficult group"?

While describing a group as "a difficult group" can often carry negative connotations, it isn't always negative. Sometimes, it simply acknowledges the complexities and challenges involved in working with a specific set of individuals without necessarily implying fault or blame.

What makes "a difficult group" different from "a challenging group"?

While both terms describe a group that presents obstacles, "a difficult group" tends to emphasize the negative aspects and potential for conflict, while "a challenging group" suggests that the obstacles can lead to growth and development.