a difficult request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking for something that may require extra effort or care. For example: "I know this is a difficult request, but could you please help me with my project?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Frankly, it was a difficult request.

The New York Times - Arts

Again, the next American president may have a difficult request in return, says Mr Hulsman: a demand that Europe undertakes a slashing reform of the common agricultural policy.Some Europeans suppose that Mr Obama is softer on Russia than Mr McCain.

The Economist

Wise instead wanted Chekov's station to face the Enterprises main viewer, a difficult request as the set was primarily circular.

Wikipedia

The Americans Martha and Clark's (Alison Wright, Matthew Rhys) marriage faces its most challenging test, and Elizabeth Keri Russelll) turns to Gabriel (Frank Langella) with a difficult request in this new episode of the spy drama.

Los Angeles Times

This can be a difficult request.

BioSocieties

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If the concierge fulfills a more difficult request, like getting you a last-minute 8 p.m. table at a restaurant that is typically booked weeks in advance, it's not uncommon to shell out $20 and up.

Forbes

"This is going to be an extremely difficult request," said Representative John E. Sweeney, an upstate Republican close to the governor.

The New York Times

The 5,201 memorial competitors had to invent a new way to convey feelings of unspeakable grief -- a somewhat more difficult request.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps those more difficult requests are escalated to a human support person who can better interpret and execute them.

TechCrunch

RestaurantRow.com has had its difficult requests.

The New York Times

But, he complained, what happens when the Taliban comply with the world's difficult requests?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult request", acknowledge the potential burden you're placing on the recipient. This can soften the impact and show consideration for their time and resources.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult request" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging request" or "complex request" to keep your writing engaging and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult request" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'difficult' modifies the noun 'request'. It typically identifies a specific type of request that presents obstacles or challenges. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult request" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a request that is not easy to fulfill. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific domains. While not extremely frequent, the phrase is readily understood and can be effectively used to convey the challenging nature of an ask. When using this phrase, consider acknowledging the potential burden on the recipient and explore alternative phrases to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging request

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", indicating a task that requires effort and skill.

a tough request

Uses "tough" instead of "difficult", suggesting a request that is hard to fulfill.

a demanding request

Emphasizes the high expectations or requirements associated with the request.

a problematic request

Highlights the potential issues or complications that the request might involve.

a complex request

Indicates the intricate nature and potential difficulties in addressing the request.

a burdensome request

Stresses the weight or strain that the request places on the recipient.

an arduous request

Implies the request will require significant effort and perseverance.

a tall order

An idiomatic expression meaning a request that is hard to meet.

a hard ask

A more informal way of saying the request is not easy to grant.

a formidable request

Suggests the request is intimidating or difficult to deal with due to its scale or complexity.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a difficult request"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging request", "a tough request", or "a demanding request" depending on the context.

How to use "a difficult request" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult request" when you are asking for something that may require extra effort or care. For example: "I know this is "a difficult request", but could you please help me with this task?"

Is it appropriate to use "a difficult request" in formal writing?

Yes, "a difficult request" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, a more formal alternative like "a complex matter" might be more suitable.

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

While both phrases indicate a task that is not easy, "a difficult request" emphasizes the potential burden or hardship involved. "A challenging request" focuses more on the need for skill and effort to overcome the obstacle.