are more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the difficulty of two or more things or tasks. Example: "These math problems are more difficult than the ones we solved last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The world marks are more difficult".

The New York Times - Sports

There are more difficult days ahead.

The New York Times

But his clothes are more difficult.

Independent

Meteorite fragments are more difficult to explain.

The Economist

The institutionalists are more difficult to categorize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other decisions are more difficult.

The New York Times

Porpoises are more difficult to see.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Things are more difficult with Hezbollah".

The New York Times - Magazine

Private firms are more difficult to acquire.

The Guardian - Business

In practice, the choices are more difficult.

The New York Times

They are more difficult to manage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are more difficult", ensure you clearly establish a comparison point. What exactly are they more difficult than? For example: "These calculations are more difficult than basic arithmetic".

Common error

Avoid using "are more difficult" without specifying what the subject is being compared to. Saying "This is more difficult" lacks context and can confuse the reader. Provide specific details to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are more difficult" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that one subject possesses a higher degree of difficulty compared to another. Ludwig AI highlights that it is used to compare the difficulty of two or more things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are more difficult" is a versatile and commonly used comparative adjective phrase, indicating that something presents a greater level of challenge than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts. It's grammatically sound and suitable for formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, be specific about the comparison you're making to ensure clarity. Consider using alternatives such as ""are more challenging"" or ""are harder"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid vague comparisons for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are harder

Uses a simpler synonym for "difficult", making the statement more direct.

are tougher

Uses an informal synonym for "difficult", making the statement more forceful.

are more arduous

Replaces "difficult" with "arduous", emphasizing the effort required.

are more challenging

Substitutes "difficult" with "challenging", framing the situation as a test of skill or ability.

are more troublesome

Replaces "difficult" with "troublesome", highlighting the potential for problems or annoyance.

are more problematic

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", indicating that something causes or involves problems.

are more demanding

Replaces "difficult" with "demanding", emphasizing the high requirements or expectations involved.

are more complex

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex", focusing on the intricate nature of the task or situation.

are more intricate

Substitutes "difficult" with "intricate", focusing on the detailed and complicated nature of something.

present greater difficulty

Changes the structure to emphasize the "difficulty" as a quality that something "presents".

FAQs

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

You can use "are more difficult" to compare the difficulty of two or more tasks, concepts, or situations. For example, "Advanced calculus problems "are more difficult" than basic algebra problems."

What phrases can I use instead of "are more difficult"?

Alternatives to "are more difficult" include "are more challenging", "are harder", or "are more complex", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is more difficult" instead of "are more difficult"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is more difficult" with singular subjects (e.g., "This task is more difficult") and "are more difficult" with plural subjects (e.g., "These tasks "are more difficult"").

What's the difference between "are more difficult" and "are harder"?

"Are more difficult" and "are harder" are largely interchangeable, but "are more difficult" can sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.