be difficult enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be difficult enough to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or task that poses a significant challenge or requires considerable effort to accomplish. Example: "The exam was designed to be difficult enough to test the students' understanding of the material thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

These two aims will be difficult enough to achieve; but they are at least achievable.

The Guardian

Tenner points out that for experience to bear fruit, the effort required needs to be difficult enough to foster retention and muscle memory, similar to physical exercise.

Stanford University

It will be difficult enough to face Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning tonight in a game with enormous playoff implications for the Jets.

The New York Times - Sports

Having a diverse range of abilities can be difficult enough to direct but, for Sacred Sounds, there's a whole other layer.

The Guardian

Depression can be difficult enough to recognize among the affluent, but if you're way down the socioeconomic ladder, the signs may be even harder to distinguish.

The New York Times - Magazine

You'd think it would be difficult enough to come up with a comedy that is serious about gender politics without actually looking like it is "about" gender politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It is difficult enough to be injured or gravely ill.

The New York Times

It was difficult enough to follow the story.

The New Yorker

It's difficult enough to get humans to do that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's difficult enough to be a Christian in a Christian society".

The New York Times

It is difficult enough to seal the courtroom, as it were, against outside pressures.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be difficult enough to", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what the difficulty is relative to. Provide context to clarify the challenge or effort required. For example: "The task will "be difficult enough to" complete even with additional resources."

Common error

Avoid using "be difficult enough to" without specifying the context or the intended outcome. Saying "It will "be difficult enough to"" lacks clarity. Instead, specify what will be difficult and what the consequences are. For example, specify what actions make it difficult or for whom is difficult.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be difficult enough to" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a task, situation, or problem possesses a level of difficulty that is significant or notable. The usage of this phrase, according to Ludwig AI, is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be difficult enough to" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a significant level of challenge associated with a task or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and sees common usage across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While it is often interchangeable with phrases like "be challenging enough to", understanding the subtle differences in nuance can allow for more precise communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clearly defined to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be challenging enough to

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", keeping the meaning very similar but slightly emphasizing the stimulating aspect of the difficulty.

be tough enough to

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", suggesting a more resilient or enduring quality is needed.

prove sufficiently difficult to

Adds "sufficiently" to emphasize the adequate level of difficulty, slightly changing the focus.

present enough of a challenge to

Rephrases the idea as "present a challenge", changing the sentence structure but maintaining the core concept of difficulty.

be demanding enough to

Replaces "difficult" with "demanding", focusing on the high requirements and effort needed.

be arduous enough to

Substitutes "difficult" with "arduous", indicating a task that requires great exertion and endurance.

be laborious enough to

Replaces "difficult" with "laborious", focusing on the amount of work and effort involved.

be strenuous enough to

Substitutes "difficult" with "strenuous", highlighting the physical or mental effort required.

be complex enough to

Shifts the focus from general difficulty to the complexity of the task.

be intricate enough to

Replaces "difficult" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and complicated nature of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "be difficult enough to" in a sentence?

Use "be difficult enough to" to describe a situation or task that requires considerable effort or skill. For example, "The problem will "be difficult enough to" solve even with the best tools available."

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

You can use alternatives such as "be challenging enough to", "be tough enough to", or "present enough of a challenge to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be difficult enough to"?

Yes, the phrase "be difficult enough to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Just ensure that the sentence structure is complete and the context is clear.

What's the difference between "be difficult enough to" and "be challenging enough to"?

While both phrases convey a sense of something not being easy, "be difficult enough to" simply states that something requires effort or skill. "Be challenging enough to" implies that the difficulty can also be stimulating and rewarding.