a difficult thought for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult thought for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a challenging or complex idea that someone is trying to process or understand, often in relation to another person or group. Example: "It was a difficult thought for her to accept that she might have to leave her hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I would save a critique or a difficult thought for a more appropriate or private time".

BBC

It is a difficult thought for us.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This thought which, for me, is the very thought of this film [Life and Nothing More...] is a difficult thought, perhaps the most difficult.

Wikipedia

This is the first sentence of the movie, and it sets in train a surge of difficult thoughts: what do we long for, to whom do we belong, and how long can the longing last?

The New Yorker

For the purpose of our study, MBSR was adapted (12) by including practices for difficult thoughts and feelings related to diabetes.

Diabetes Care

During the final two sessions in the sixth week, strategies for handling difficult thoughts and emotions in highly stressful situations were presented.

Family Practice

"This is a difficult time for the family, and our thoughts are with them," Lakey said in an afternoon statement.

The Guardian

One of them is an increased willingness to experience difficult thoughts, feelings and body sensations [ 32].

BMC Psychiatry

The Artidote is a Facebook page dedicated to discussing difficult thoughts and feelings with art.

Vice

Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker said it was "a difficult day" for the shipbuilding industry and his first thoughts were with those facing job losses.

BBC

It was a very cathartic experience, transforming all these difficult thoughts and emotions into fiction.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult thought for", ensure the context clearly identifies who is experiencing the difficulty and why. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult thought for" without specifying the subject or the context that makes the thought challenging. This can lead to vagueness and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult thought for" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate that a particular idea or concept presents a challenge for someone. This is supported by examples from Ludwig such as "This is a difficult thought for us."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult thought for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a challenging or complex idea for someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though its frequency is relatively uncommon. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its function is to highlight the challenging nature of a concept and for whom it poses a difficulty. When employing this phrase, ensure clear context to avoid vagueness, and consider alternatives like ""a challenging concept for"" or ""a tough idea for"" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A challenging concept for

Replaces "difficult thought" with "challenging concept" to emphasize the intellectual aspect of the difficulty.

A tough idea for

Uses "tough idea" as a more colloquial substitute for "difficult thought", maintaining a similar level of intensity.

A hard notion for

Employs "hard notion" to convey the difficulty in grasping or accepting an idea.

A complex consideration for

Substitutes "difficult thought" with "complex consideration", highlighting the intricate nature of the idea.

A demanding concept for

Replaces "difficult thought" with "demanding concept" to emphasize the effort required to understand the idea.

A troubling idea for

Uses "troubling idea" to suggest that the thought causes concern or anxiety.

A problematic concept for

Substitutes "difficult thought" with "problematic concept", indicating that the idea presents issues or obstacles.

A sensitive topic for

Replaces "difficult thought" with "sensitive topic" when the difficulty arises from the emotional or delicate nature of the subject.

A thorny issue for

Employs "thorny issue" to convey that the thought is complex and potentially contentious.

A weighty matter for

Uses "weighty matter" to suggest that the thought carries significant importance and responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult thought for" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult thought for" to describe a concept or idea that someone finds challenging to understand or accept. For example, "It was "a difficult thought for" her to reconcile her personal beliefs with the company's policies".

What are some alternatives to "a difficult thought for"?

Alternatives include "a challenging concept for", "a tough idea for", or "a complex consideration for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who finds the thought difficult when using "a difficult thought for"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who finds the thought difficult enhances clarity and context. Without it, the sentence can feel incomplete or vague.

What's the difference between "a difficult thought for" and "a difficult situation for"?

"A difficult thought for" refers to a challenging idea or concept, while "a difficult situation for" refers to a challenging set of circumstances. The former relates to understanding, the latter to experiencing hardship.