a difficult role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a challenging position or part that someone has to play, often in the context of acting, work, or responsibilities. Example: "She was excited to take on a difficult role in the upcoming play, as it would push her acting skills to the limit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was a difficult role.

The Guardian - Film

Margaret must be a difficult role.

The Guardian

"Hamlet is a difficult role!" I said.

The Guardian

"I'm saying she was very good in a difficult role".

The New York Times - Style

Mr. Attal makes the most of a difficult role.

The New York Times

In a difficult role, Ms. May is the "onyx cameo" of Eliot's imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

It makes her a difficult role model to follow, though some have tried.

The Guardian - Music

Tiger Ann was a difficult role to cast, said Mr. Arkin.

The New York Times

It's a difficult role that he has to accept, and a difficult role for me to have to deliver the message".

The New York Times - Sports

Worst supporting partner: Rebecca Miller Theirs is a difficult role come Oscar night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the pilot, Henry's gentle longtime boyfriend, an aquarium administrator named Lance (Cyril Nri, a consistent standout, in a quietly difficult role), insists that they have a date night.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's role in a play or movie, use "a difficult role" to emphasize the complexity and skill required to portray that character effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult role" when simply referring to a disliked task; reserve it for situations requiring significant skill, effort, or emotional investment. Otherwise consider using other ways to convey that a task is simply unpleasant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult role" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "role". It typically describes a position, task, or part that requires significant effort, skill, or emotional investment. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in describing challenging acting roles and complex responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Film

18%

TV & Radio

14%

Less common in

Books

3%

Lifestyle

2%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult role" is a versatile phrase used to describe challenging positions, tasks, or parts that require significant effort, skill, or emotional investment. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news articles, film reviews, and discussions about TV and radio. While primarily functioning as a noun phrase, its communicative purpose is to convey the demanding nature of a particular role. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations truly requiring significant skill and to avoid using it for tasks that are simply disliked. Alternatives such as "a challenging part" or "a demanding position" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging part

Replaces "difficult role" with "challenging part", focusing on the demanding nature of the role.

a demanding position

Substitutes "role" with "position", highlighting the high expectations and requirements involved.

a tough assignment

Replaces "difficult role" with "tough assignment", emphasizing the arduous nature of the task.

a complex responsibility

Replaces "difficult role" with "complex responsibility", focusing on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the duties.

a formidable undertaking

Replaces "difficult role" with "formidable undertaking", suggesting a task that requires significant effort and skill.

a tricky task

Uses "tricky task" instead of "difficult role", emphasizing the need for careful handling and problem-solving.

an unenviable job

Replaces "difficult role" with "unenviable job", highlighting the undesirable or unpleasant aspects of the role.

a problematic function

Substitutes "role" with "function", focusing on the issues that may arise in performing the duties.

a taxing responsibility

Replaces "difficult role" with "taxing responsibility", emphasizing the demanding nature and burden of the role.

a grueling undertaking

Uses "grueling undertaking" instead of "difficult role", stressing the physically or mentally exhausting nature of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult role" to describe a challenging part in acting, a demanding job, or a complex responsibility. For instance, "She excelled in "a difficult role", showcasing her versatility as an actress."

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

Alternatives include "a challenging part", "a demanding position", or "a tough assignment" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a difficult role" in a formal setting?

Yes, "a difficult role" is suitable for formal settings, especially when discussing responsibilities, tasks, or acting performances requiring significant effort and skill.

What makes a role "a difficult role"?

A role is considered "a difficult role" when it requires exceptional skill, emotional depth, or problem-solving abilities to perform effectively. It often involves complex responsibilities and high expectations.