a slightly difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat challenging or not easy to accomplish. Example: "The exam was a slightly difficult test of our knowledge, but I managed to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A slightly difficult first exam and minor changes to the grading system may have contributed to the increase in the number of flags, he said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We did rush the opening, in part because of a slightly difficult situation with my former employer that I won't bore you with.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You are in a slightly difficult position because all of this jostling and flirting is happening at work and the maxim of "not mixing work and pleasure" exists for a reason.

The Guardian

I dare say there might be a certain amount of controversy, which places me in a slightly difficult position because I have not written a sermon or a treatise or a book of philosophy -- I have written a novel".

The New York Times - Books

Now, Mother Nature and I have always had a slightly difficult relationship, but we've come to an understanding: I stay away from her and she doesn't trouble me much.

Independent

Rapinoe collected a pass from teammate Carli Lloyd, and she calmly pushed the ball down the left side, switching the ball from her right foot to her left before knocking it into the right side of the net from a slightly difficult angle.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The response options, given on a 5-point scale, were: not difficult at all, slightly difficult, somewhat difficult, very difficult, impossible without help.

BMC Pediatrics

Bonafide is a third-floor club, slightly difficult to find from the street, but once inside, it's an intimate haven.

The Guardian - Music

"When you go on court each day with each other and spend a lot of your lives together, it's slightly difficult, but a lot of players have to get used to that - it's part of the togetherness the tour brings," the 29-year-old said afterwards.

BBC

LISTENING to the two Shurduts is like being with a smart lawyer and her slightly difficult but charming client.

The New York Times

Why is this a slightly more difficult game? Let's keep the mikes handy a second.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slightly difficult", consider the audience and context. In formal writing, opt for more precise terms like "moderately challenging", while in informal settings, "a bit tricky" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly difficult" when the situation is genuinely very challenging. This can downplay the effort required and mislead the audience. Choose stronger terms like "very challenging" or "extremely difficult" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly difficult" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a moderate degree of difficulty. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is commonly used to describe situations, tasks, or concepts that present a moderate level of challenge without being overly strenuous.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

26%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slightly difficult" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that presents a moderate challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It's versatile, fitting into news reports, scientific articles, and everyday conversations. When using this phrase, it's important to consider your audience and the actual level of challenge involved to ensure accurate communication. Alternatives such as "somewhat challenging" or "a bit tricky" can provide stylistic variation, as appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat challenging

Replaces "slightly difficult" with a more direct term for describing something not easy.

moderately challenging

Emphasizes a medium level of difficulty, more formal than "slightly difficult".

a bit tricky

Less formal, implies a need for careful handling; good for informal contexts.

somewhat problematic

Highlights the potential issues or complications involved.

a little complex

Focuses on the intricate nature rather than the difficulty.

not entirely straightforward

More verbose and formal, suitable for professional contexts.

mildly arduous

Formal and emphasizes the effort required, less common.

a tad demanding

Highlights the requirements or expectations involved, informal.

somewhat taxing

Focuses on the strain or burden caused by the task.

a touch complicated

Informal and gentle, suggests slight intricacy.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slightly difficult" to describe a task, situation, or concept that presents a moderate level of challenge. For example, "The exam was "a slightly difficult" test of our knowledge."

What are some alternatives to "a slightly difficult"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "somewhat challenging", "a bit tricky", or "moderately challenging".

Is it better to say "slightly difficult" or "a little difficult"?

Both "slightly difficult" and "a little difficult" are acceptable. "Slightly difficult" may sound slightly more formal, while "a little difficult" is generally more informal. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

When should I avoid using "a slightly difficult"?

Avoid using "a slightly difficult" when the situation is clearly very challenging or complex. In such cases, using stronger terms like "very challenging" or "complex" would be more accurate and appropriate.