a very difficult atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very difficult atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or tense environment, whether in a workplace, social setting, or other contexts. Example: "The negotiations were strained, creating a very difficult atmosphere for all parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He added: "That's a very difficult atmosphere to advocate in".

The New York Times

The committee concludes: "This is a very difficult atmosphere in which to work towards a sustainable economic future for the community on Sark.

The Guardian

The committee's report concludes: "This is a very difficult atmosphere in which to work towards a sustainable economic future for the community on Sark.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"What Mada Masr tries to do is not only survive in this very difficult atmosphere but to survive while respecting its mission to report the news and provide a historical record of this particular stage in our country's history.

The Guardian

But the Miró was indeed a rare flash in the leaden atmosphere of a very difficult session.

The New York Times - Arts

On other occasions, I've written proposals to tackle a very difficult observation, such as observing Jupiter's atmosphere using two Galilean satellites (these three bodies are moving with respect to each other) with a new type of adaptive optics system, and we've achieved success!

Huffington Post

The good atmosphere, he added, had survived a "very difficult day".

BBC

I think it is a very difficult job, but it is true the penalty decision changed the atmosphere.

BBC

A very difficult little man.

Independent

A bike is a very difficult project.

The New York Times

"It has been a very difficult process".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a workplace, consider more specific terms like "a challenging work environment" or "a high-pressure atmosphere" to convey the exact nature of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "a very difficult atmosphere" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, pinpoint the specific elements contributing to the difficulty, such as tension, lack of resources, or conflicting opinions. For example, rather than stating that "the company has "a very difficult atmosphere"", describe it as "the company atmosphere is damaged by low morale and inconsistent managerial strategies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very difficult atmosphere" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun (atmosphere) with adjectives to convey a sense of challenge or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms the correct use of "a very difficult atmosphere".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a very difficult atmosphere" is used to portray an environment marked by significant challenges or tension. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appears predominantly in news and media contexts to describe situations ranging from strained negotiations to problematic political climates. While acceptable, it's not the most common way to express a challenging environment; alternatives like "a highly challenging environment" or "an extremely tense atmosphere" might offer more precise descriptions. When using this phrase, consider specifying the factors contributing to the difficulty rather than relying on vague language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly challenging environment

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "very" with "highly", emphasizing the demanding nature of the environment.

an extremely tense atmosphere

Substitutes "difficult" with "tense" and "very" with "extremely", highlighting the strained emotional state.

a tough working environment

Replaces "difficult" with "tough" and "atmosphere" with "working environment", focusing on the challenges within a professional setting.

a problematic situation

Shifts the focus from the atmosphere to the situation itself, implying the difficulty arises from the circumstances.

a stressful environment

Highlights the stress-inducing nature of the environment, rather than simply its difficulty.

a demanding situation

Emphasizes the high expectations and pressure associated with the situation.

a trying circumstance

Replaces "difficult" with "trying" and "atmosphere" with "circumstance", indicating a test of one's endurance and patience.

a burdensome situation

Highlights the oppressive or troublesome nature of the situation.

an unfavorable climate

Uses "climate" as a metaphor for atmosphere, indicating a generally negative or unsupportive environment.

a harsh environment

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the environment.

FAQs

What does "a very difficult atmosphere" mean?

The phrase "a very difficult atmosphere" describes a situation or environment characterized by significant challenges, tension, or unpleasantness. It suggests that progress or positive interaction is hindered by the prevailing conditions.

What are some synonyms for "a very difficult atmosphere"?

Alternatives include "a highly challenging environment", "an extremely tense atmosphere", or "a stressful environment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I use "a very difficult atmosphere" in a sentence?

Example: "The constant disagreements created "a very difficult atmosphere" in the office, making collaboration nearly impossible." Another example: "The political climate fostered "a very difficult atmosphere" for open dialogue.

Is it better to use "a difficult atmosphere" or "a very difficult atmosphere"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a very difficult atmosphere" intensifies the level of difficulty. Consider whether the situation warrants the added emphasis. You can use "a difficult atmosphere" when describing simply an inconvenient situation, if you would like to intensify the difficulty use "a very difficult atmosphere".