a very difficult environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very difficult environment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenging situation or setting, often in contexts like work, education, or personal circumstances. Example: "The team had to adapt quickly to a very difficult environment during the project, which tested their resilience and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"The Arctic is a very difficult environment to operate in.

The New York Times

"Most Indigenous peoples and their organisations do very well in what's a very difficult environment.

The Guardian

It's a very difficult environment in which to make a deal, though.

The Guardian

"That's a very difficult environment for cross-pollination to take place in".

The New York Times

For example, Ottoman diplomatic skill in a very difficult environment has attracted increasing admiration from many scholars.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, the global economy in 2013 could be a very difficult environment in which to find shelter.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

And even beyond that, it's a very, very difficult environment to launch a start-up.

Forbes

The company's chairman and chief executive, Jule Wainwright, was not available for comment, but in a statement released by the company, she said: "It is well known that this is a very, very difficult environment for business-to-consumer Internet companies.

The New York Times

Mr. President, that discussion will also serve as an opportunity to acknowledge the very difficult environment in which our valiant staff on the ground must function, day in and day out -- before, during and after every conflict -- and the importance of giving all staff members the support they need in their tireless efforts to ease the vulnerability of children and assure them a better future.

Unicef

I recount this setting because in spite of this very difficult environment, life does go on but in a form of extreme poverty; poverty that is even below the world definition of poverty of $1 per day in income.

HuffPost

"The dream here is never having to step foot in a funeral home or cemetery, which are very difficult environments to make objective decisions in," says Medina.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very difficult environment", consider specifying the particular challenges that make the environment difficult to provide a clearer picture for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a very difficult environment" without providing context. Instead of simply stating it's difficult, explain why it's difficult. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very difficult environment" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically describing a situation or setting that presents significant challenges or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a very difficult environment" effectively describes challenging situations across various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in news, business, and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to specify why the environment is challenging to provide clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "a highly challenging situation" or "a notably complex scenario" can offer nuanced perspectives. By following best practices and avoiding overgeneralization, writers can leverage "a very difficult environment" to enhance the depth and credibility of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly challenging situation

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the circumstances.

a particularly tough setting

Focuses on the harsh or unyielding aspects of the situation.

a notably complex scenario

Highlights the intricate and complicated elements of the environment.

a significantly problematic context

Underscores the troublesome and unfavorable aspects of the situation.

a considerably demanding atmosphere

Highlights the taxing and rigorous qualities of the surroundings.

an exceptionally trying circumstance

Emphasizes the testing and stressful nature of the situation.

a remarkably unfavorable condition

Focuses on the negative and disadvantageous aspects of the environment.

a distinctly adverse situation

Highlights the opposing and harmful qualities of the environment.

an extremely unfavorable backdrop

Stresses the negative influence and setting for events.

a really tough landscape

Emphasizes the severity and demanding nature of the challenges presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very difficult environment" to describe settings or situations that present significant challenges. For example: "The company struggled to thrive in a very difficult environment due to intense competition and economic instability."

What are some alternatives to "a very difficult environment"?

You can use alternatives like "a highly challenging situation", "a notably complex scenario", or "a significantly problematic context" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a very difficult environment" or "a challenging environment"?

While both are correct, "a very difficult environment" emphasizes a greater degree of hardship. "a challenging environment" suggests difficulty that can be overcome with effort, while "a very difficult environment" suggests more severe obstacles.

How does "a very difficult environment" differ from "a hostile environment"?

"A very difficult environment" generally refers to challenging circumstances. In contrast, "a hostile environment" implies active opposition or antagonism, suggesting a more adversarial setting.