are difficult for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are difficult for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something poses a challenge or is hard for a specific subject or group. Example: "These math problems are difficult for many students to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anniversaries are difficult for newspapers.

The New York Times

Times are difficult for everybody.

The New York Times

The numbers are difficult for McGowan.

The Guardian

Collections are difficult for any size business.

The New York Times

Also try this with people who are difficult for you.

University of California, Berkeley

All of these are difficult for a grown-up dog.

Harvard University

Comparisons to state universities are difficult for several reasons.

Princeton University

Why? Benny's acts are difficult for him to articulate.

The New York Times - Books

Thus they are difficult for outsiders to evaluate.

The New York Times

Often, the lulls between major publications are difficult for him.

The New Yorker

His interactions with Laura are difficult for both of them.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and tailor the phrase to match the appropriate level of formality. For instance, in academic writing, "present challenges to" may be more suitable than "are tough for".

Common error

Avoid using "are difficult for" without specifying who or what is experiencing the difficulty. Be precise to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are difficult for" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject and indicating that the subject presents challenges or obstacles for someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are difficult for" serves to express that something poses a challenge to someone or something. It is grammatically correct, very common, and adaptable to different writing styles. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood. It's important to be specific about what is experiencing the difficulty to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "pose a challenge to" or "present difficulties for" can be used to add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are tough for

A more informal way to express difficulty.

are problematic for

Indicates something is causing problems or issues for someone.

are a struggle for

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved.

pose a challenge to

Highlights the challenging nature of something, framing it as a test.

are complicated for

Highlights the complex and intricate nature of something causing difficulty.

present challenges to

Focuses on the challenges presented rather than the difficulty experienced by someone.

are hard on

Suggests something is causing hardship or strain.

are demanding for

Focuses on the high demands or requirements something places.

create obstacles for

Emphasizes the creation of barriers or impediments.

are taxing on

Highlights the demanding or burdensome nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "are difficult for" in a sentence?

You can use "are difficult for" to indicate that something poses a challenge or is hard for a specific subject. For example, "These concepts "are difficult for many to swallow"".

What are some alternatives to "are difficult for"?

Alternatives include "pose a challenge to", "present challenges to", or "are problematic for", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are difficult for"?

Yes, the phrase "are difficult for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It is used to describe something that presents a challenge or difficulty to a particular subject.

What is the difference between "are difficult for" and "present difficulties for"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "are difficult for" is a more direct and common way to express that something poses a challenge. "Present difficulties for" is a more formal and slightly less common alternative.