a very difficult match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very difficult match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a competitive situation, such as a sports game or a challenge that is particularly hard to overcome. Example: "The championship game was a very difficult match, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I expect a very difficult match.

Independent

"It was a very difficult match," Andre Ayew said.

The New York Times

They've done well in this tournament and it's going to be a very difficult match.

Independent

"It was a very difficult match to play, especially the first two sets.

The Guardian - Sport

I will have a very difficult match but let's enjoy it.

The Guardian - Sport

Next up for Argentina is a very difficult match at Uruguay in August.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Last weekend was a wonderful weekend for us, and certainly a wonderful weekend for the city," said Hughton, "but the feeling doesn't last too long because we now face a very, very difficult match".

Independent

It will be a very, very difficult match for me, and I will try".

Huffington Post

"When we're down to 10 men and we're playing against such an outstanding side who keep the ball very well, it's very difficult". Match ends, Swindon Town 2, Rochdale 1. Second Half ends, Swindon Town 2, Rochdale 1. Jimmy McNulty (Rochdale) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

BBC

And then, after that, it is Swansea, another very difficult match.

The Guardian - Sport

We're going to face Wigan now and it's going to be a very difficult game". Match ends, Barnsley 2, Queens Park Rangers 3. Second Half ends, Barnsley 2, Queens Park Rangers 3. Offside, Queens Park Rangers.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a competitive event, use "a very difficult match" to convey the high level of skill and effort required from the participants.

Common error

Avoid using "a very difficult match" as a generic descriptor. Provide specific details about what makes the match difficult, such as the opponent's strengths or challenging game conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very difficult match" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., game, contest, competition). As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction adheres to standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a very difficult match" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a challenging competitive situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, but particularly prevalent in news and media. When using this phrase, consider adding specific details about the nature of the difficulty to provide more context. Alternatives such as "a very tricky match" or "an extremely challenging match" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Ensure that usage aligns with the intended audience and context, avoiding overuse without providing specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very tricky match

Replaces "difficult" with "tricky", suggesting a match that requires cunning and strategy.

a very tough match

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", emphasizing the physical or mental resilience required.

an extremely challenging match

Replaces "very difficult" with "extremely challenging", intensifying the degree of difficulty.

a highly demanding match

Uses "highly demanding" instead of "very difficult", highlighting the effort and skill needed.

a particularly arduous match

Replaces "very difficult" with "particularly arduous", emphasizing the strenuous and tiring nature of the match.

a really hard match

Substitutes "very difficult" with the more informal "really hard".

a gruelling contest

Replaces the entire phrase with "a gruelling contest", capturing the exhausting and intense nature of the event.

a formidable game

Uses "formidable game" to highlight the strength and skill of the opponent or the complexity of the situation.

a close and competitive game

Describes a match characterized by intense competition and minimal score differences, highlighting excitement and suspense.

an evenly matched contest

Focuses on the balance of skills and abilities between competitors, suggesting an unpredictable and engaging match.

FAQs

What does "a very difficult match" mean?

The phrase "a very difficult match" describes a contest or competition that requires significant effort, skill, and determination to win due to challenging circumstances or a strong opponent.

What can I say instead of "a very difficult match"?

You can use alternatives like "a very tricky match", "a very tough match", or "an extremely challenging match" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a very difficult game" instead of "a very difficult match"?

Yes, "a very difficult game" is generally interchangeable with "a very difficult match", especially in contexts where "game" and "match" are synonymous, such as in sports. The choice often depends on the specific sport or competition being discussed.

How can I make the phrase "a very difficult match" more descriptive?

You can add details about what makes the match difficult. For example, "a very difficult match due to the opponent's aggressive play style" or "a very difficult match in the extreme heat" provides more context and paints a clearer picture.