be a difficult one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a difficult one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation, task, or decision that is challenging or complicated. Example: "This project is going to be a difficult one, but I believe we can manage it with teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will be a difficult one to rebound from.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not expected to be a difficult one.

The New York Times - Sports

The answer may be a difficult one to swallow, but it's not rocket science.

University of California, Berkeley

The decision to participate in the internship program may be a difficult one to make.

Cornell University

This step seems to be a difficult one for many health systems to take.

Harvard Business Review

The task of retaking west Mosul is likely to be a difficult one for Iraqi forces.

The Guardian

Hooks's message may be a difficult one for many proponents of spanking to swallow.

The Washington Post

I expected that today would be a difficult one in Amman.

The New York Times - Magazine

I know today will be a difficult one for the passengers, railway staff and the bereaved.

The Guardian

It is also clear that his run will be a difficult one.

The New York Times

Wenger thought David Moyes' task in filling Ferguson's shoes to be a difficult one.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a difficult one" to address challenges that require persistence, strategic thinking or further explanation to clarify the nature and scope of the difficulty. Doing so will add specificity and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be a difficult one" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "present a significant challenge" or "prove to be problematic" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a difficult one" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something poses a challenge or is not easy. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes tasks, situations, and decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a difficult one" is a versatile expression used to describe challenges, tasks, or situations that are expected to be problematic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and general discourse, indicating its neutrality and widespread acceptance. While "be a difficult one" is useful, it's important to use it judiciously and consider alternatives such as "present a significant challenge" or "prove to be problematic" to maintain a diverse and engaging writing style. Knowing when and how to wield this phrase effectively can enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Present a significant challenge

Emphasizes the level of difficulty, framing it as a substantial obstacle.

Prove to be problematic

Focuses on the potential issues or complications that might arise.

Pose considerable hurdles

Highlights the obstacles that need to be overcome.

Not be a walk in the park

Uses an idiom to convey that something won't be easy.

Be far from straightforward

Indicates that the situation is complex and requires careful handling.

Entail considerable effort

Highlights the amount of work and dedication required.

Be fraught with difficulties

Suggests that there will be many problems and challenges along the way.

Represent a tough undertaking

Focuses on the arduous nature of the task.

Be anything but easy

Emphasizes the lack of simplicity in the situation.

Be tough to handle

Highlights the difficulty in managing or controlling the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "be a difficult one" in a sentence?

You can use "be a difficult one" to describe a task, situation, or decision that presents significant challenges. For example, "Convincing the board to approve the new project will "be a difficult one".".

What are some alternatives to "be a difficult one"?

Some alternatives include "present a significant challenge", "prove to be problematic", or "pose considerable hurdles", depending on the specific context.

Is "be a difficult one" formal or informal?

"Be a difficult one" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts, from news reports to academic writing. However, in highly formal situations, alternatives like "present a significant challenge" may be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "be a difficult one" or "is a difficult one"?

Both "be a difficult one" and "is a difficult one" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Be a difficult one" is often used in future or conditional statements (e.g., "It will "be a difficult one""), while "is a difficult one" is used to describe a present state (e.g., "This task "is a difficult one"").