are difficult to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are difficult to say" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is challenging to articulate or express clearly. Example: "The emotions I felt during that moment are difficult to say, but they were profound and life-changing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We don't talk about our feelings, and we don't say things that are difficult to say to each other".

The New York Times - Arts

Names that are difficult to say or rely on specific punctuation should be set aside.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was difficult to say.

Independent

That's difficult to say.

Independent

"It is difficult to say," he said.

The New York Times

It's difficult to say," he added.

The New York Times

Whether it did is difficult to say.

The New Yorker

It is difficult to say with certainty.

The Economist

This is difficult to say.

The Guardian

They were difficult, to say the least".

The New York Times - Sports

"For me it is difficult to say.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are difficult to say", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect is challenging to articulate. Be specific in the surrounding sentences to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are difficult to say" as a vague placeholder for more specific issues. Instead of saying "the reasons are difficult to say", try to identify at least some contributing factors to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are difficult to say" is to act as a descriptor, indicating that something is challenging to articulate or express. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to convey difficulty in expressing ideas or feelings. The examples illustrate the phrase's use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are difficult to say" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is challenging to articulate, explain, or define. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. It finds common application in news reporting, general knowledge articles, and scientific discussions. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity in the surrounding context are essential to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as ""are hard to articulate"" or ""are challenging to express"" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are hard to articulate

Focuses on the challenge of expressing something clearly and effectively.

are challenging to express

Emphasizes the demanding nature of conveying something.

are not easy to put into words

Highlights the struggle to find the right words.

are tough to communicate

Focuses on the difficulty in conveying a message effectively.

are complicated to explain

Highlights the complexity of the explanation required.

are hard to define

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or precision in the subject.

are tricky to describe

Indicates a certain degree of elusiveness or subtlety.

are not easily expressed

Highlights the inherent difficulty in expressing the idea.

defy simple explanation

Indicates that the subject is too complex for a straightforward explanation.

present a communication challenge

Focuses on the issue as an obstacle to effective communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "are difficult to say" to express that something is challenging to articulate or explain. For example, "The precise reasons for the economic downturn are difficult to say with certainty."

What are some alternatives to "are difficult to say"?

Alternatives include "are hard to articulate", "are challenging to express", or "are not easy to put into words", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are difficult to say" or "is difficult to say"?

Use "are difficult to say" when referring to plural subjects or multiple reasons/factors. Use "is difficult to say" when referring to a singular subject or a single reason.

What does it mean when something "are difficult to say"?

It means that there are obstacles—linguistic, emotional, or intellectual—that make it challenging to express a thought, feeling, or idea clearly and directly.