a difficult thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task, situation, or concept that is challenging or hard to accomplish or understand. Example: "Learning a new language can be a difficult thing for many people, but with practice, it becomes easier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's a difficult thing.

The New York Times

"I know it's a difficult thing.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a difficult thing to achieve.

The Guardian - Film

"It's a difficult thing to do.

The New York Times - Sports

Self-government is a difficult thing.

The New York Times

That's a difficult thing to say.

The New Yorker

Evil is a difficult thing to eliminate".

The New York Times

Hope is a difficult thing to kill.

The New Yorker

But it's a difficult thing".

The New York Times

And that's a difficult thing to manage".

The New York Times - Sports

Taking criticism can be a difficult thing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a difficult thing" when you want to acknowledge the complexity or arduous nature of a task, situation, or concept. Be mindful of your audience and choose this phrase when a straightforward and universally understood expression of difficulty is appropriate.

Common error

While versatile, avoid relying on "a difficult thing" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced vocabulary like "complex challenge" or "arduous task" to convey a sophisticated understanding and avoid sounding simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object. It describes a noun, indicating its challenging nature or the level of effort required. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Film

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult thing" is a versatile and widely used phrase for expressing the challenging nature of various tasks, situations, or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, and its prevalence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlights its acceptance in standard English. While suitable for most contexts, more precise alternatives like "a complex challenge" or "an arduous task" may be preferable in formal writing. Remember, choosing the right phrase depends on your audience and the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging endeavor

Emphasizes the demanding and stimulating nature of the task.

no easy feat

Emphasizes that achieving something requires significant skill and effort.

a tough proposition

Highlights the demanding conditions and uncertainty associated with the problem.

a formidable challenge

Indicates an obstacle that is difficult to overcome.

a complex matter

Focuses on the intricate and multi-layered elements of the subject.

a tricky business

Suggests the need for caution and careful navigation.

an uphill battle

Implies a continuous struggle against significant obstacles.

an arduous task

Stresses the effort and perseverance required to accomplish the assignment.

a demanding situation

Highlights the rigorous standards and expectations inherent in the predicament.

a taxing ordeal

Underscores the physically or mentally exhausting nature of the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult thing" to describe a task, situation, or concept that presents challenges. For instance, "Learning a new language is "a difficult thing", but it's also very rewarding".

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

You can use alternatives like "a challenging task", "a tough situation", or "a complex matter" depending on the specific context.

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

While generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more specific and sophisticated alternatives such as "a complex challenge" or "an arduous endeavor" to convey precision and depth.

What's the difference between "a difficult thing" and "a daunting thing"?

"A difficult thing" generally describes something that requires effort or skill, while "a daunting thing" implies something that is intimidating or discouraging due to its perceived difficulty or scale. The latter carries a stronger sense of apprehension.