all the more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all the more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is even more challenging than it would normally be. Example: "The unexpected changes in the project made the task all the more difficult to complete on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This makes my job all the more difficult.

The Washington Post

That made the result all the more difficult to accept, at least for now.

The New York Times - Sports

Ariak also has epilepsy, a condition that made his time in detention all the more difficult.

The Guardian

It is demoralising for them and makes the search all the more difficult.

The Guardian

The "ambiguity" of Russian actions made a response all the more difficult, he explained.

The Guardian

The challenge was all the more difficult for him as he was a double amputee.

The Guardian

The recession has made the squeeze all the more difficult for schools.

The New York Times

Leaks of the diplomatic cables undermine that confidence, making the administration's role all the more difficult.

The New York Times

The fact that nobody seems to know what art is anymore makes a curator's job all the more difficult.

The New Yorker

Dismantling the government's longstanding commitment to housing will make that return all the more difficult, if not impossible.

The New York Times

We know something's up.' " The wait was all the more difficult for Boyd because he felt healthy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all the more difficult" to emphasize that a pre-existing challenge has been significantly amplified by a specific factor. For instance, "Navigating the bureaucratic process was already daunting, but the language barrier made it "all the more difficult".

Common error

Avoid using "all the more difficult" when simply describing a difficult situation without a prior context of challenge. Instead of saying "The task was "all the more difficult"," if it's the first mention of the difficulty, opt for "The task was very difficult" or "extremely challenging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all the more difficult" functions as an intensifier, modifying an adjective to emphasize a higher degree of difficulty. It highlights that a situation or task is not just difficult, but significantly more so due to a particular reason or circumstance, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all the more difficult" is a versatile and frequently used expression to emphasize an increased level of challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While it's crucial to use it when indeed a situation intensifies an existing one, knowing how to leverage its expressive power can significantly enhance clarity and impact in your writing. Consider exploring related phrases and best practices to maximize the phrase's benefits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even more challenging

Emphasizes the challenging nature more directly using "even".

that much harder

Uses "harder" instead of "difficult" for a less formal tone.

considerably tougher

Replaces "difficult" with the synonym "tougher", intensifying the difficulty.

increasingly problematic

Shifts the focus to the problems that arise.

significantly more complex

Highlights the aspect of complexity rather than difficulty.

exceedingly demanding

Focuses on the high demands placed by the situation.

notably trickier

Employs "trickier" to suggest a higher degree of cunning or strategy required.

particularly onerous

Uses a more formal and emphatic adjective to describe the difficulty.

exceptionally intricate

Draws attention to the detailed and complicated nature of the task.

remarkably taxing

Stresses the exhausting nature of the task or situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "all the more difficult" in a sentence?

Use "all the more difficult" to highlight how a specific factor intensifies an existing challenge. For example, "Completing the project on time was already a struggle, and the budget cuts made it "all the more difficult"".

What are some alternatives to "all the more difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "even more challenging", "increasingly problematic", or "that much harder" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider also: "considerably tougher", "significantly more complex".

When is it appropriate to use "all the more difficult"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is not just difficult, but its difficulty has been amplified by a particular circumstance. Don't use it if the difficulty is being introduced for the first time without prior context.

Is "all the more difficult" formal or informal?

The phrase "all the more difficult" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation, making it a versatile choice.