as difficult as can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as difficult as can be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the extreme level of difficulty of a task or situation. Example: "The exam was as difficult as can be, leaving many students feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Judge Elizabeth Dunne summarised this key argument in her contempt judgement: "Instead of trying to repay the admitted debt due, the Quinn family and in particular the respondents have taken every step possible to make it as difficult as can be to recover any amount due.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As difficult as it can be to be a rookie, and a kicker besides, Pochman said the friendships within the Giants' locker room have made this move palatable.

The New York Times - Sports

A basic assumption could be that putting justice into practice is about as difficult as anything can be, but there will be a reasonable range of agreement about the theory.

Huffington Post

As difficult as it can be, it can also be idyllic.

Huffington Post

However, as difficult as it can be, it is much easier than graduating with a degree in a field that you are no longer interested in.

Stanford University

And as difficult as that can be, I was on a mission to carry it through the rest of the album.

Huffington Post

It's during this stage that you are forced to focus on solutions, and as difficult as it can be, self-compassion is crucial at this point, Ms. Marston said.

The New York Times

It's not easy being responsible for public money - but when you are spending to protect the public, then the job is as difficult as it can be.

BBC

As difficult as euthanasia can be for pet owners, the sense of loss can be magnified for veterinarians who grow attached to patients that they watch grow from puppies to old dogs with snow-flecked snouts.

The Washington Post

The decisions and the way they have to go about their business is as difficult as it can be.

BBC

As difficult as they can be to manage, companies are finding that such large sales organizations do have some benefits.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as difficult as can be" to emphasize the extreme challenge or complexity of a situation, making sure the context warrants such strong language.

Common error

Avoid using "as difficult as can be" for tasks that are only mildly challenging. Reserve this phrase for truly demanding or intricate scenarios to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as difficult as can be" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the extreme degree of difficulty. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It modifies a noun or action, highlighting how challenging something is.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as difficult as can be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the extreme level of difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears most often in news and media sources and academia, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants such strong emphasis to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives such as "as challenging as it gets" or "extremely challenging" for variations in tone. While relatively frequent, remember to reserve "as difficult as can be" for situations that genuinely merit such a description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as challenging as it gets

Emphasizes the level of challenge, implying a peak of difficulty.

as tough as it could possibly be

Highlights the toughness aspect, suggesting maximum possible difficulty.

extremely challenging

Focuses on the challenging nature, using an adverb to amplify the difficulty.

incredibly difficult

Uses "incredibly" to intensify the difficulty level.

exceptionally hard

Stresses the hardness with the adverb "exceptionally".

at the highest level of difficulty

Formally specifies the extreme end of the difficulty scale.

maximally difficult

Uses "maximally" to directly indicate the highest degree of difficulty.

as arduous as imaginable

Replaces "difficult" with "arduous", implying a strenuous and challenging nature.

as formidable as can be conceived

Uses "formidable" to suggest the difficulty involves overcoming significant obstacles.

virtually impossible

Implies that the task is so difficult it is almost not achievable.

FAQs

How can I use "as difficult as can be" in a sentence?

Use "as difficult as can be" to emphasize the extreme level of difficulty in a task or situation. For example, "The climb was "as difficult as can be", testing the limits of even the most experienced hikers."

What are some alternatives to "as difficult as can be"?

Alternatives include "as challenging as it gets", "extremely challenging", or "incredibly difficult". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as difficult as it can be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "as difficult as it can be" is grammatically correct. "As difficult as can be" is an accepted shortened version of that phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "as difficult as can be" in writing?

It's most appropriate to use "as difficult as can be" when you want to stress the extreme level of challenge or complexity involved. Ensure the context justifies such a strong emphasis.