as yet difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as yet difficult' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that has not been achieved yet, but is proving difficult. For example: "The new software is as yet difficult to use, but we are working hard to make it user-friendly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But it is as yet difficult to see what might happen should there be a surge in EU migration to Britain in the meantime – a concern already privately raised by ministers.

The Guardian

Screening for precursor changes in the mucosal linings preceding the development of invasive tumors and for accurate prediction of risk of malignant transformation, may be propitious opportunities, which are as yet difficult.

Journal of Proteomics

Some aspects of the definition are as yet difficult to apply outside the Solar System.

Wikipedia

While raising a host of questions that are as yet difficult to answer, 1/2 Revolution nonetheless offers a visceral, first-hand look at the Egyptian revolution, showing how chaotic and complex the situation on the ground really is.

Huffington Post

This effect could well be defined under the heading of quality of care, which is, as yet, difficult to quantify.

Critical Care

As these systems are based on transplantable tumors, it is as yet difficult to assess the role of these antitumorigenic chemokines in disease progression in breast cancer patients.

Breast Cancer Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Specific conclusions as yet are difficult to reach.

Orthopedic Clinics of North America

For the latter, bonuses are laid out as tangible yet difficult to attain prizes to boost your paltry wage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Coupe said the full impact of the devaluation of sterling on shopfloor prices was "as yet uncertain" and "difficult to predict".

The Guardian - Business

It's as yet unclear how difficult it would be to construct far bulkier viruses such as smallpox to create bioweapons.

Science Magazine

Much of the available evidence is somewhat anecdotal and health service providers in LMICs are, as yet, in a difficult position in terms of choosing effective and cost-effective mHealth strategies for widespread use.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as yet difficult" when you want to convey that something is challenging now but might become easier or clearer in the future. It suggests a temporary state of difficulty.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "as yet difficult" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "still hard" or "not easy yet" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as yet difficult" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective, indicating that something is currently in a state of being difficult. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in academic, news and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as yet difficult" serves to indicate that something presents challenges presently, but its transient nature is implied. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and useful in written English and typically describes something that is challenging now but might become easier or clearer later on. It's a versatile expression encountered across news, science and general writing. While accurate, it can come off as too formal in some settings, so choosing other alternatives like "not yet easy" or "currently challenging" might be better suited in informal conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently challenging

This alternative replaces "as yet difficult" with a more straightforward and common expression.

not yet easy

This option offers a simpler and more direct alternative.

presently problematic

This alternative uses a more formal and slightly stronger term (problematic) than difficult.

still proving tough

This phrase uses more informal language ("tough" instead of "difficult") and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the challenge.

remains a challenge

This version focuses on the state of being a challenge rather than the degree of difficulty.

difficult at this stage

This alternative emphasizes the current point in time.

not straightforward yet

This phrase highlights the lack of simplicity or directness.

unresolved so far

This alternative focuses on the lack of resolution rather than the difficulty.

an ongoing struggle

This option conveys a sense of continuous effort and difficulty.

a hurdle at present

This alternative uses the metaphor of a hurdle to represent the difficulty and specifies that it's a current issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "as yet difficult" to describe a task, situation, or concept that is currently challenging but may become easier to understand or accomplish in the future. For instance, "Understanding the algorithm is "as yet difficult", but we're making progress."

What are some alternatives to "as yet difficult"?

Alternatives include "currently challenging", "not yet easy", or "still proving tough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as yet difficult" formal or informal?

"As yet difficult" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, consider using alternatives like "not easy yet" or "still hard".

What's the difference between "as yet difficult" and "currently difficult"?

"As yet difficult" implies that the difficulty is expected to be temporary or that progress is anticipated. "Currently difficult" ("currently difficult") simply states the present state of difficulty without necessarily implying a future change.