a difficult question to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult question to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a question that poses challenges in providing a clear or straightforward response. Example: "When it comes to the ethics of artificial intelligence, that's a difficult question to answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is a difficult question to answer.

The Economist

That's a difficult question to answer.

The Guardian

It's a difficult question to answer, using the latest statistics.

Independent

"I find that a difficult question to answer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A difficult question to answer at this point.

The Guardian

J-YF: That's a difficult question to answer.

The Guardian - Books

Why reaction time should improve is a difficult question to answer.

The Economist

Mr Song laughs and says, "That is a difficult question to answer".

The Economist

But what do they actually believe?That turns out to be a difficult question to answer.

The Economist

It's a difficult question to answer, because it is not easy to do the necessary studies.

The New York Times - Health

In the case of Monteverdi, what's new is not a difficult question to answer.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a difficult question to answer", ensure the context provides some indication as to why the question is challenging, such as lack of information, ethical considerations, or complexity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "a difficult question to answer". If you find yourself using it frequently, explore alternative ways to express the complexity or challenge posed by the question, such as describing the specific reasons for the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult question to answer" functions as a predicative adjective phrase that describes the nature of a question. It indicates that responding to the question presents considerable challenges or complexities. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult question to answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a question that poses significant challenges. Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples confirm its widespread use across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. When employing this phrase, consider the specific reasons for the difficulty – complexity, lack of evidence, or ethical concerns. While effective, avoid overusing it; instead, explore alternatives like "a challenging question" or "a complex question" to provide greater nuance. Be mindful of the context and adapt your language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging question to answer

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the question.

a complex question to answer

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex", highlighting the intricate nature of the question.

a tough question to answer

Replaces "difficult" with "tough", indicating the demanding nature of the question.

a tricky question to answer

Substitutes "difficult" with "tricky", suggesting the question requires careful consideration to avoid a wrong or misleading answer.

a hard question to answer

Replaces "difficult" with "hard", emphasizing the effort required to answer.

a complicated question to answer

Substitutes "difficult" with "complicated", underscoring the many aspects or layers of the question.

a knotty question to answer

Replaces "difficult" with "knotty", suggesting the question is tangled or convoluted.

a problematic question to answer

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", indicating that the question poses problems or obstacles in finding a solution.

a delicate question to answer

Replaces "difficult" with "delicate", suggesting the question requires tact and sensitivity.

a sensitive question to answer

Replaces "difficult" with "sensitive", indicating the question could potentially cause discomfort or offense.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult question to answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult question to answer" to introduce a question that requires deep thought or has no easy solution. For example, "Whether AI will ultimately benefit humanity is "a difficult question to answer"".

What are some alternatives to "a difficult question to answer"?

Alternatives include "a challenging question to answer", "a complex question to answer", or "a tough question to answer" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a difficult question to answer" or "it is difficult to answer this question"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a difficult question to answer" is often used to introduce the difficulty of the question itself, whereas "it is difficult to answer this question" focuses more on the act of answering. Choose the phrasing that best fits your intended emphasis.

What makes a question "a difficult question to answer"?

A question might be "a difficult question to answer" due to several factors, such as a lack of clear evidence, conflicting information, ethical considerations, or inherent complexity. The reasons behind the difficulty influence the choice of wording.