are difficult to quantify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are difficult to quantify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, factors, or variables that are challenging to measure or express in numerical terms. Example: "The emotional impact of the event on the community are difficult to quantify, but it is evident that many were affected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And because they are largely hidden inside their host species, they are difficult to quantify.

The New York Times - Science

The trouble is that his very real, usually relegation-averting achievements, are difficult to quantify.

The Guardian - Sport

Just because systemic effects are difficult to quantify does not mean that they are not real.

The Guardian - Opinion

Smallpox vaccine, made from a different virus, has risks that are difficult to quantify for today's population.

The New York Times

The English saxophone improviser John Butcher plays extremely abstractly, in the sort of style where successes are difficult to quantify.

The New York Times

"Larry will give precise quantitative estimates of things that are difficult to quantify," one of his colleagues told me.

The New Yorker

Divorce rates are difficult to quantify because cases are filed in local courts across the country, but there is anecdotal evidence of a rise.

The New York Times

For the next financial year there are a number of factors which are likely to influence our trading performance, although they are difficult to quantify at this stage.

The Guardian - Business

Though its "environmental costs," such as "marine organisms sucked into intake pipes," are difficult to quantify, the exhibition says, they "may be serious".

The New York Times - Arts

Other EU 'soft law' measures under the Open Method of Coordination are difficult to quantify as they often take the form of objectives and common targets.

The Guardian

We argue that such shifts reflect changing stories, epidemics of new narratives, and associated views of the world, which are difficult to quantify.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are difficult to quantify", provide qualitative context or alternative indicators to compensate for the lack of precise measurement. This offers a more complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on qualitative descriptions when quantitative analysis is expected. If something "are difficult to quantify", explain why and explore proxy measures or estimations where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are difficult to quantify" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that presents a challenge in measurement or numerical assessment. It often appears when discussing abstract concepts or intangible effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are difficult to quantify" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe elements that present challenges in numerical measurement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that it's frequently employed in scientific, news, and business domains to acknowledge the limitations of quantitative analysis and to introduce qualitative considerations. While alternatives like "are challenging to measure" or "are hard to assess" exist, the original phrase remains a precise and versatile choice for formal and informal communication alike. When employing this phrase, writers should strive to offer qualitative context or explore proxy measures to provide a more comprehensive understanding, preventing overreliance on qualitative data alone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are challenging to measure

Emphasizes the difficulty in the measurement process.

are not readily quantifiable

Similar to the original but uses 'readily' for emphasis.

are hard to assess

Focuses on the difficulty in evaluating or judging.

are not easily measured

Highlights the lack of easy measurement methods.

are tough to evaluate numerically

Specifies the challenge in numerical evaluation.

are not susceptible to quantification

Suggests an inherent inability to be quantified.

resist precise measurement

Indicates a resistance to accurate measurement.

pose quantification challenges

Frames the difficulty as a set of challenges.

defy precise calculation

Highlights the impossibility of calculating accurately.

are difficult to put into numbers

A more informal way of expressing the same difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "are difficult to quantify" in a sentence?

You can use "are difficult to quantify" to describe aspects, effects, or impacts that are hard to measure numerically. For example: "The long-term effects of the policy "are difficult to quantify", but initial results are promising."

What can I say instead of "are difficult to quantify"?

You can use alternatives like "are challenging to measure", "are hard to assess", or "are not easily measured" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "are difficult to quantify" and "are impossible to quantify"?

"Are difficult to quantify" suggests a challenge in measurement, while "are impossible to quantify" indicates that measurement is entirely unachievable. If something is merely difficult, alternative methods or estimations might still be possible.

Is it appropriate to use "are difficult to quantify" in formal writing?

Yes, "are difficult to quantify" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express the challenge of measuring something numerically. Consider providing additional qualitative context when using this phrase.