as difficult as it can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as difficult as it can be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the extreme level of difficulty in a situation or task. Example: "Learning a new language can be as difficult as it can be, especially for those who have never studied one before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 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

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

BBC

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 it can be for those who struggle to follow conversations in social situations, the problems could be more serious.

BBC

Our research suggests that finding in the city is not as difficult as it can be, especially for phenomena that exhibit some degree of clustering.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

While we use stylised maps based on real-world distributions of parking, crowd, bandwidth coverage, and noise, our research suggests that finding in the city is not as difficult as it can be for phenomena that exhibit some degree of clustering.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

So as difficult as it seems like it can be, you're ahead of the game.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As difficult as it may be, you can ask.

Los Angeles Times

As difficult as our defense can be, I am starting to get an idea".

The New York Times - Sports

"As a result, it can be difficult to get together and see people.

Vice

As any parent knows, it can be a difficult decision.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as difficult as it can be" to emphasize the extreme level of challenge, especially when the situation is perceived to be particularly hard or demanding.

Common error

Avoid using "as difficult as it can be" in overly casual or informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat stilted in very relaxed conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "really hard" or "super tough" in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as difficult as it can be" functions as an intensifier within a comparative structure. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically sound way to emphasize the extreme degree of difficulty associated with a task or situation. It is used to underscore the challenging nature of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as difficult as it can be" serves to emphasize the extreme degree of difficulty in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability across various contexts. While it's relatively neutral in tone, it's important to consider simpler alternatives for overly informal settings. Key related phrases include "as challenging as possible" and "as tough as it gets". The phrase commonly appears in news articles and general writing, underscoring its versatility. Overall, use "as difficult as it can be" to highlight significant challenges, being mindful of the context's formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as challenging as possible

Emphasizes maximizing the level of difficulty, focusing on potential rather than actuality.

as tough as it gets

Highlights the extreme nature of the difficulty, implying a peak level of hardship.

the most challenging it could be

Specifies the maximum degree of challenge that something is capable of reaching.

the hardest possible

Focuses solely on the extreme level of difficulty without the contextual element.

extremely challenging

Replaces the comparative structure with a direct adjective describing high difficulty.

incredibly difficult

Uses a different adverb to emphasize the high degree of difficulty involved.

exceedingly tough

Employs a stronger adjective and adverb to convey the intensity of the difficulty.

at the peak of difficulty

Changes the structure to a noun phrase indicating the highest level of difficulty.

the ultimate challenge

Shifts the focus to the concept of a supreme challenge, implying the highest difficulty.

a monumental struggle

Emphasizes the struggle aspect with a strong adjective, highlighting the immense effort required.

FAQs

What does "as difficult as it can be" mean?

The phrase "as difficult as it can be" is used to emphasize that something is extremely challenging or hard. It suggests that the situation or task is at the highest level of difficulty.

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

You can use "as difficult as it can be" to describe any situation where something is particularly challenging. For instance, "Learning a new language can be "as difficult as it can be", especially if you're starting from scratch."

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

Some alternatives include "as challenging as possible", "as tough as it gets", or "extremely challenging".

Is "as difficult as it can be" formal or informal?

"As difficult as it can be" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings.