as difficult as it gets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as difficult as it gets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is extremely challenging or tough, often implying that it cannot get any harder. Example: "The exam was as difficult as it gets, leaving many students feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"But what Amy did is as difficult as it gets".

Independent

Translating Baudelaire is probably about as difficult as it gets.

The Guardian - Books

"They are a fantastic, well-coached side and if you look at our two away games [this season] they are about as difficult as it gets.

The Guardian - Sport

Porter acknowledged the disruption to his team this year, but but their run-in is about as difficult as it gets: Colorado away, then Colorado at home, and a trip to Vancouver to finish.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's about as interesting and as difficult as it gets," Mr. Schnebly said, as Ms. Dominick stood 40 feet away from a pool and tried to land a fly in an area as large as a cocktail tray.

The New York Times - Travel

Most of the ingredients are portioned for you and there's some chopping and stirring involved, but that's about as difficult as it gets.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Until then a simple catch from Thiago's long shot was as difficult as it got for a goalkeeper surprisingly included ahead of Sergio Rico.

The Guardian - Sport

What we have found in the last weeks is that as difficult as it is to get a group of us together, given all of our hectic schedules, when we get to really sit down together and collaborate, we not only get a lot done but we get to experience a creative synergy with the different thoughts and ideas which each of us bring to the table.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Because as difficult as it is to get someone to understand something when their salary depends on them not understanding it, it's even more so when their embezzling depends on it.

The Washington Post

We hope it's as difficult as it can possibly get.

Los Angeles Times

Of the 54 cases in which an officer was charged, only 11 resulted in convictions.6 As difficult as it is to get a conviction, it is even harder to impose substantial time in prison, with both juries and judges reluctant to give stiff sentences.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as difficult as it gets" to emphasize the extreme challenge or complexity of a task, situation, or experience. It is particularly effective when you want to convey that the situation is at its absolute worst or most demanding.

Common error

While effective, avoid overuse. Over-reliance on "as difficult as it gets" can diminish its impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "extremely challenging" or "the ultimate test" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as difficult as it gets" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the extreme degree of difficulty. As Ludwig highlights, it describes situations or tasks that are exceedingly challenging. The core function is to underscore the peak level of hardship or complexity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as difficult as it gets" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression used to emphasize the extreme level of difficulty of a task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While generally acceptable across different contexts, it is more common in news and media and informal settings. For more formal communication, alternatives like "extremely challenging" or "the ultimate challenge" may be more appropriate. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid redundancy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as tough as it comes

Focuses on the toughness or rigor of the situation.

as hard as it can be

Simple and direct way to express maximum difficulty.

as challenging as can be

Emphasizes the challenge involved.

the toughest there is

States that there is no tougher challenge.

the height of difficulty

Highlights the extreme level of difficulty.

as strenuous as possible

Emphasizes the effort required.

the ultimate challenge

Presents the situation as a final or definitive test.

the pinnacle of difficulty

Implies reaching the highest point of difficulty.

as taxing as imaginable

Focuses on the burden or strain.

the most demanding situation

Highlights the demands placed on someone in the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "as difficult as it gets" to emphasize that a situation or task is extremely challenging. For example, "The final exam was "as difficult as it gets", leaving many students feeling unprepared."

What are some alternatives to "as difficult as it gets"?

Alternatives include "as tough as it comes", "extremely challenging", or "the ultimate challenge", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "as difficult as it gets" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "as difficult as it gets" leans towards informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "extremely challenging" or "presents considerable difficulties" to maintain a professional tone.

Can "as difficult as it gets" be used for both physical and mental challenges?

Yes, "as difficult as it gets" can describe both physical and mental challenges. For example, "Climbing Mount Everest was "as difficult as it gets" physically," or "Dealing with the complex legal case was "as difficult as it gets" mentally."