although very difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although very difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting idea or to acknowledge a challenge while presenting a different perspective or outcome. Example: "Although very difficult, the project was ultimately successful and taught us valuable lessons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sports betting, by contrast, involves skill, and it is possible, although very difficult, to consistently win money on it.

The New Yorker

Although very difficult to use, it's clearly one of the most devastating specialist options in the game, helping to rack up many additional kills.

The Guardian - Tech

I believe that what we're doing in Afghanistan is of strategic importance to the UK; I believe that, although very difficult, it is possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Almost every student I work with has confided that in a funny way the event of the fire, although very difficult, has brought their work to a completely new level," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's been an enjoyable year, although very difficult and hard work," said Fowler.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Nevertheless, he is broadly on board: "Although it's very difficult, it's better to move quickly than slowly.

The Guardian - Business

I prefer playing at home, although life is very difficult at the moment whether we're home or away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Sport has a moral side, and although it's very difficult to maintain it, it's worthwhile.

The New York Times - Sports

It sounds as though the insolvency practitioner did not keep you fully informed of all the options that you had - although it is very difficult for me to make a judgement without seeing the relevant paperwork.

The Guardian - Money

Correa said that although it was very difficult to modernise individual bungalows without damaging the aesthetic effect across the whole zone, it would be possible to reconcile development with preservation if the process were properly managed.

The Guardian - Arts

Although it is very difficult to derive the analytical results of the iterative process, e.g., estimation error and convergence.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although very difficult" to acknowledge a significant challenge before presenting a contrasting viewpoint or outcome. This provides context and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "although very difficult" in situations where a more affirmative or solution-oriented expression is needed. Overusing this phrase can create a pessimistic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although very difficult" functions as an adverbial clause of concession. It introduces a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict the main clause, acknowledging a challenge while still presenting another perspective. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

48%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "although very difficult" is a grammatically sound adverbial clause of concession used to introduce a contrasting element or acknowledge a challenge before presenting an opposing viewpoint. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase appears most often in news media and scientific contexts. When using "although very difficult", consider alternatives like "even though quite challenging" or "despite being exceedingly tough" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even though quite challenging

Replaces "very difficult" with "quite challenging", softening the intensity of the difficulty described.

despite being exceedingly tough

Substitutes "although" with "despite" and "very difficult" with "exceedingly tough", emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.

notwithstanding its demanding nature

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal construction, highlighting the demanding nature of something.

in spite of considerable hardship

Emphasizes the presence of hardship, rather than simply difficulty.

admittedly quite problematic

Introduces an element of acknowledgment, recognizing the problematic aspect.

while undeniably arduous

Uses "arduous" to describe the effort required, stressing the demanding nature of the task.

though inherently complex

Focuses on the inherent complexity as the source of the difficulty.

albeit somewhat troublesome

Substitutes the terms with a slightly lighter expression.

even if seemingly insurmountable

Highlights the appearance of being impossible to overcome.

however exceptionally taxing

Replaces "difficult" with "taxing", indicating the effort depletes resources or energy.

FAQs

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

You can use "although very difficult" to introduce a challenging aspect of a situation before presenting a contrasting element. For example, "Although very difficult, the project was ultimately successful".

What are some alternatives to "although very difficult"?

Some alternatives include "even though quite challenging", "despite being exceedingly tough", or "notwithstanding its demanding nature".

Is it better to say "although very difficult" or "despite being very difficult"?

Both "although very difficult" and "despite being very difficult" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on stylistic preference, as they convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "although very difficult" and "even though very difficult"?

"Although very difficult" and "even though very difficult" are largely interchangeable. "Even though" might add a slightly stronger sense of surprise or unexpectedness.