a difficult point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is challenging to understand or address. Example: "During the meeting, we encountered a difficult point that required further clarification before we could proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It's a difficult point.

The New York Times

A difficult point.

The New Yorker

It is a difficult point to carry.

Independent

It's a difficult point to dispute in this argumentative collection.

The New Yorker

It is a difficult point to make at a moment like this, but politics will – must – go on.

The Guardian - Opinion

He asked the audience to recall the night four years ago when Mr. Obama, at a difficult point in his presidential primary campaign, captured the imaginations of Iowans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

This is a potentially difficult point of negotiation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is a particularly difficult point to make to liberals.

The Guardian - Opinion

A particularly difficult point for both Warner and Mr. Silver is the cost of his production deals.

The New York Times

Ms. Gielgud's resignation could not have come at a more difficult point in the schedule.

The New York Times - Arts

Ulysses was first published in Paris in 1922, the year of Hamilton's birth, and the artist first read the book in 1947 at a particularly difficult point in his life, having been forced into national service after being expelled from the Royal Academy art school for not obeying instructions.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult point", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the point difficult, providing necessary background information for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult point" without specifying the nature of the difficulty. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult point" functions as a noun phrase, with "difficult" acting as an adjective modifying "point". It typically introduces a topic or aspect that presents a challenge or requires careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult point" is a versatile phrase used to introduce challenging or complex aspects in various contexts. As Ludwig AI validates, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a reliable choice. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific domains, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively signal complexity and invite careful consideration from their audience. Remember to provide sufficient context to clarify the nature of the difficulty, avoiding vagueness and ensuring clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging aspect

Focuses on the stimulating nature of the difficulty.

a key challenge

Focuses on the pivotal nature of the difficulty.

a problematic issue

Emphasizes the troublesome nature of the point.

a thorny issue

Conveys the point is complex and potentially contentious.

a complex matter

Highlights the intricacy involved.

a major obstacle

Highlights the point's role as a significant impediment.

a sensitive topic

Indicates the point requires careful handling.

a critical juncture

Suggests the point is a crucial moment in a process.

a tough question

Specifically frames the point as a question that is hard to answer.

a delicate situation

Implies the point could easily become unstable or problematic.

FAQs

What does "a difficult point" mean?

The phrase "a difficult point" refers to an issue, topic, or aspect that is challenging to understand, resolve, or address effectively.

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

You can use "a difficult point" to introduce a challenging aspect of a discussion, argument, or situation. For example, "The budget negotiations reached "a difficult point" when discussing spending cuts."

What are some alternatives to "a difficult point"?

Some alternatives to "a difficult point" include "a challenging aspect", "a problematic issue", or "a complex matter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "difficult point" or "difficult issue"?

The choice between "difficult point" and "difficult issue" depends on the context. "Point" is suitable when referring to a specific item in a discussion, while "issue" is broader and can refer to a general problem or concern.