as difficult as this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as difficult as this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the difficulty of a situation or task to another situation or task that is being referenced. Example: "Learning a new language can be challenging, but as difficult as this may seem, practice makes perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

As difficult as this may be to observe, please do not interfere.

The New Yorker

Nothing in the classroom lecture or the poolside drills had been as difficult as this.

The Washington Post

IT'S never easy being a Weiner, but I can't recall a week as difficult as this one.

The New York Times

Leval has confidence in the ability of the American judicial system to dispense justice even in a case as difficult as this one.

The New Yorker

"You can't think that way, especially on a golf course that is set up as difficult as this golf course is.

The New York Times - Sports

So as difficult as this may be for some Washington chuckleheads, the right thing do is trust Ginsburg that she knows what she's doing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"As difficult as that was to hear, this opportunity provided us with a ray of hope".

The New York Times

Awarding the LUX Prize has never been as difficult as this year.

European Parliament

City politicians required the owners of burnt-out stores to re-apply for their drink licences from scratch, and made the process as difficult as possible.All this still rankles.

The Economist

As difficult as it seems in this "where's the next one" world, sometimes you honest to God just have to wait to see what happens next; it's difficult to judge a story until it's finally been all told.

Los Angeles Times

The History Channel's strategy here is to make it as difficult as possible to avoid watching this version.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as difficult as this" to directly compare the present situation with a previously understood level of difficulty, ensuring clear context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "as difficult as this" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as difficult as this" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by providing a comparative degree of difficulty. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it being used to describe situations, tasks, or feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as difficult as this" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying the magnitude of a challenge. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most often in "News & Media" but is also common in "Formal & Business" contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you're comparing the current situation to a known difficulty. While versatile, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives like "this is quite challenging" or "this presents a major challenge" can help prevent redundancy. It's crucial to use it correctly to give your readers a clear understanding of a challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is quite challenging

Expresses the difficulty directly using the adjective 'challenging'.

this is considerably hard

Emphasizes the hardness or strenuous nature of the situation.

this presents a major challenge

Highlights the difficulty by framing it as a significant challenge.

this is no easy task

Understates the difficulty, implying it is far from simple.

this is particularly demanding

Focuses on the demanding nature of the subject.

this situation is very tough

Uses the word 'tough' to convey the challenging nature.

this is seriously problematic

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the subject due to its difficulty.

this poses a real struggle

Highlights the struggle involved in dealing with the subject.

this requires significant effort

Indicates that overcoming the challenge will take considerable exertion.

this is unusually complex

Focuses on the complexity of the matter, implying difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "as difficult as this" to compare a current situation to a known difficult situation, like: "The test was challenging, but "as difficult as this" may be, I'm determined to pass".

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

Some alternatives include "this is quite challenging", "this is considerably hard", or "this presents a major challenge" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "as difficult as this" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe or compare the level of difficulty of something.

What's the difference between "as difficult as this" and "as difficult as that"?

"As difficult as this" typically refers to the present situation, while "as difficult as that" usually refers to a previously mentioned or understood situation. The choice depends on whether you're comparing to the current or a past/external context.