as difficult as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as difficult as possible' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used in situations when someone is trying to accomplish something difficult. For example: "I'm going to try to complete this task as difficult as possible so I can impress my boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We felt the process was made as difficult as possible.

The Guardian - Money

"They're trying to make it as difficult as possible for the CEFC".

The Guardian

It's a sort of volatile relationship – we've made it as difficult as possible.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"But they are slow and bureaucratic and seem to make everything as difficult as possible".

The New York Times

"But what we do is add layers of security to make it as difficult as possible".

The New York Times

And, starting here, Haaland is considering making life as difficult as possible for a hated enemy.

The Guardian - Sport

The UKBA meanwhile seems determined to make the process as difficult as possible.

The Guardian

The Madrid government made it as difficult as possible to participate.

The Guardian

Lewis-Francis seems determined to make Jones's job as difficult as possible, though.

The Guardian - Sport

Alexander Mogilny seemed determined to make Schwab's night as difficult as possible.

The New York Times - Sports

Congress had being making life as difficult as possible for Mr Castañeda even before last week.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for emphasis, strategically use "as difficult as possible" to highlight intentional obstruction or resistance. For example, "The regulations were designed to make compliance "as difficult as possible" for smaller businesses."

Common error

Avoid using "as difficult as possible" in situations where simpler phrasing suffices. For instance, instead of saying "I made the puzzle "as difficult as possible",", consider "I made the puzzle very challenging."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as difficult as possible" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the extent to which an action is performed, emphasizing the maximization of difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as difficult as possible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey the idea of maximizing challenges or obstacles. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples reveals that it functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing the intensity of an action. While versatile, it’s important to use it thoughtfully and avoid overuse in simplistic contexts. Alternatives like "to the utmost degree" or "as challenging as can be" might be more appropriate depending on the context. The phrase finds common use in news, business, and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as challenging as can be

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" maintaining a similar level of intensity.

to push the limits of difficulty

Focuses on exceeding normal levels of difficulty.

to the greatest extent feasible

Focuses on feasibility rather than pure difficulty, suggesting a practical limit.

to maximize the obstacles

Directly addresses the creation of obstacles.

to create maximum adversity

Stresses the creation of adverse conditions.

to the utmost degree

Emphasizes the maximum extent of something, applicable beyond just difficulty.

to make it as complex as feasible

Shifts the focus to complexity as the primary attribute.

to intensify the hardship

Highlights the hardship aspect of the situation.

to the hilt

An idiom implying doing something completely or to its fullest extent.

to make life unbearable

Emphasizes the negative impact, making something extremely unpleasant.

FAQs

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

This phrase typically describes the extent to which something is made challenging or problematic. For example, "The company made the application process "as difficult as possible" to discourage unqualified candidates".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "as challenging as can be", or "to the utmost degree".

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

Yes, the phrase "as difficult as possible" is grammatically sound and commonly used in English writing and speech. It follows standard comparative structure.

What does "as difficult as possible" imply?

The phrase generally implies that someone or something is intentionally creating obstacles or challenges to the greatest extent feasible. It suggests a deliberate effort to maximize difficulty.