as difficult as ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as difficult as ever' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is as challenging as it has always been. For example: "The final exam was as difficult as ever, and the students struggled to complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Unlike writing, which remains as difficult as ever.

The Guardian

But challenges abound, notably because venture profits in recent years have been as difficult as ever to achieve.

The New York Times

Winning sailboat races is proving as difficult as ever for Conner in his ninth America's Cup campaign.

The New York Times - Sports

Tasked with the perennial ordeal of comparing apples and oranges, this year the judges' challenge is as difficult as ever.

The Guardian - Arts

"Land regularisation is of fundamental importance for halting deforestation," says Carlos Minc, Brazil's environment minister.Enforcing the new regime will be as difficult as ever.

The Economist

Several hundred policemen returned to Kosovo this week.Even if the ceasefire holds, the proposed negotiations over Kosovo's future look as difficult as ever.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The superb talents of so many of the applicants this year made our job as difficult as it ever has been.

Princeton University

Recovering from this will be at least as difficult as it ever has been in the past and probably more difficult still.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The last three years were as pressured and as difficult as I have ever seen it.

The New York Times

In fact, it was as difficult as I've ever experienced.

The New Yorker

With the quest for more northern seats as difficult as it has ever been for the Tories, the same-sex marriage image has revealed a dangerous trend for the PM.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as difficult as ever" to emphasize that a challenge or problem has not diminished over time, even with advancements or changes in circumstances.

Common error

While "as difficult as ever" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as difficult as ever" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing that a particular condition or task has not become easier over time. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across varied topics, highlighting enduring challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as difficult as ever" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize the enduring nature of a challenge. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. When writing, keep in mind that while effective, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings and should be used judiciously to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "as challenging as always" for variety. To ensure clarity and impact, be mindful of the specific context and the message you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As challenging as always

Replaces "ever" with "always" to indicate the persistence of difficulty.

As hard as it ever was

Substitutes "difficult" with "hard" for a simpler expression of the same idea.

Remains as tough as before

Uses "tough" and "before" to convey the continuing challenging nature.

Just as problematic as in the past

Emphasizes the problematic aspect of the situation and its continuity.

Continues to be as arduous as always

Replaces "difficult" with "arduous" for a more formal tone.

As complicated as it has been

Focuses on the complexity of the situation rather than its difficulty.

No easier than before

Highlights the lack of improvement in the level of difficulty.

Still as demanding as in the past

Uses "demanding" to describe the ongoing challenging nature of the situation.

As taxing as it always was

Replaces "difficult" with "taxing" to emphasize the draining aspect of the situation.

The situation is as grim as before

Focuses on the negative or unfavorable nature of a situation that remains unchanged.

FAQs

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

You can use "as difficult as ever" to emphasize that a task, situation, or problem remains just as challenging as it always has been. For example: "Despite the new software, troubleshooting the system is "as difficult as ever"."

What are some alternatives to "as difficult as ever"?

Alternatives include "as challenging as always", "as hard as it ever was", or "remains as tough as before". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as difficult as ever"?

Yes, the phrase "as difficult as ever" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that something remains just as challenging as it has been in the past, with Ludwig AI confirming its proper use.

What's the difference between "as difficult as ever" and "more difficult than ever"?

"As difficult as ever" means the difficulty has remained constant, while "more difficult than ever" implies the situation has become even more challenging than before.