a difficult path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging journey or course of action, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "Choosing to pursue a career in the arts can often be a difficult path, filled with uncertainty and obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But 33... h5 was a difficult path.

The New York Times

Still, it was a difficult path to travel again.

The New York Times

The Nets have a difficult path to the N.B.A. title.

The New York Times

If Hingis had a difficult path, so did Capriati.

The New York Times - Sports

It could prove a difficult path for Mr. Thompson.

The New York Times

The two companies have faced a difficult path to a deal.

The New York Times

Hollande has a difficult path to plot in the coming days.

Independent

Each team has traveled a difficult path to reach this game.

The New York Times - Sports

But that's a difficult path to tread on the French left.

The Guardian

But regardless of how things break, the Knicks could find a difficult path to the conference finals.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Karzai's supporters have depicted him as having to negotiate a difficult path between disappointed losers and frustrated winners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult path", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the difficulty. Is it physically challenging, emotionally taxing, or intellectually demanding? Specifying the type of challenge enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult path" as a generic descriptor for any challenging situation. Instead, provide specific details about the obstacles and hardships involved to make your writing more impactful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult path" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in descriptive contexts where a challenge or obstacle is present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult path" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that serves to highlight the challenges and obstacles inherent in a particular situation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news media, scientific publications, and business contexts. While alternatives such as "a challenging route" or "a tough road" exist, "a difficult path" remains a direct and effective way to communicate the presence of significant hurdles. To enhance clarity, it's recommended to specify the nature of the difficulty being described, avoiding overuse in generic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging route

Focuses on the demanding nature of the course.

a tough road

Emphasizes the arduous and potentially unpleasant nature of the journey.

a complicated process

Highlights the complexity and intricacy involved.

an uphill battle

Implies a constant struggle against resistance.

a thorny issue

Suggests the presence of numerous problems and potential pain points.

a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and potential danger involved.

a testing time

Highlights the difficulties experienced within a specific duration.

a demanding undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and resources required.

a formidable challenge

Highlights the scale and potential intimidation factor.

a trying experience

Focuses on the emotionally taxing nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult path" to describe a challenging situation, journey, or process. For example, "Starting a business can be "a difficult path", but it can also be very rewarding".

What are some alternatives to "a difficult path"?

Alternatives include "a challenging route", "a tough road", or "an uphill battle". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a difficult path"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the challenges and obstacles involved in achieving a goal or navigating a situation. It suggests that success will require effort, perseverance, and resilience.

What's the difference between "a difficult path" and "a challenging journey"?

While similar, "a difficult path" often implies specific obstacles or hardships along the way, whereas "a challenging journey" may focus more on the overall demanding nature of the experience. They are mostly interchangeable.