be as difficult as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be as difficult as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the level of difficulty of one thing to another. Example: "This exam will be as difficult as the last one we took."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nowcasting can be as difficult as forecasting.

The New Yorker

Her attempt will be as difficult as it is unprecedented.

The New York Times - Sports

"This Giro won't be as difficult as the first one".

The New York Times - Sports

That should not be as difficult as it sounds.

The Economist

Learning from Denmark may be as difficult as staying there.

The Economist

This may not be as difficult as you might think.

The Economist

But coordination among computers can be as difficult as it is among people, Farhat said.

Stanford University

Losing a pet can be as difficult as losing a human family member.

Harvard University

In human experimentation, deciding who goes second can be as difficult as deciding who goes first.

The New York Times - Health

Finding a capable setup man can sometimes be as difficult as finding an effective closer.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Bush's task promises to be as difficult as Mr. Clinton's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing difficulties, ensure both subjects of comparison are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what exactly makes "task A" as difficult as "task B".

Common error

Avoid embedding the phrase within overly complex sentence structures. Simplicity enhances clarity; splitting complex sentences ensures easier understanding of the comparison being made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be as difficult as" functions as a comparative connector, linking two elements with a similar degree of difficulty. It uses the structure 'be as [adjective] as' to establish this comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

15%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be as difficult as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for comparing the level of difficulty between two subjects. As indicated by Ludwig, its versatility makes it appropriate for diverse writing contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. To ensure clarity, always define the subjects being compared and maintain simplicity in sentence structure. Remember to choose the most appropriate synonym when writing, depending on the particular shade of meaning you would like to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be equally challenging

Emphasizes the equal level of challenge involved.

be just as demanding

Highlights the demanding nature of the task or situation.

be as taxing

Focuses on the draining or burdensome aspect.

present a similar level of difficulty

More formal way of expressing a similar challenge.

be no easier than

Emphasizes that something is not simpler than another.

be on par with in terms of difficulty

Indicates an equivalent level of difficulty.

be nearly as complicated as

Focuses on the complexity of the task.

be as intricate as

Highlights the detailed and complex nature of the task.

be as problematic as

Stresses the presence of problems or obstacles.

be as cumbersome as

Emphasizes the burdensome and awkward nature.

FAQs

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

Use "be as difficult as" to compare the level of difficulty between two tasks or situations. For instance, "Solving this puzzle will "be as difficult as" climbing Mount Everest".

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

You can use alternatives such as "be equally challenging", "be just as demanding", or "present a similar level of difficulty" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "is as difficult as" is grammatically correct. The structure "is as [adjective] as" is a standard comparative construction in English.

What's the difference between "be as difficult as" and "be more difficult than"?

"Be as difficult as" indicates that two things have a similar level of difficulty, whereas "be more difficult than" suggests that one thing is harder than the other. The first indicates equality, the second indicates inequality.