be difficult to achieve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be difficult to achieve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing goals, tasks, or objectives that may require significant effort or resources to accomplish. Example: "While the project has great potential, it may be difficult to achieve the desired results within the given timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conciliation will be difficult to achieve, however.

The New York Times

That prospect may be difficult to achieve.

The New York Times

Of course, it can be difficult to achieve.

The Guardian - Opinion

These refinements should not be difficult to achieve.

The New York Times - Arts

"The recent high historical returns may be difficult to achieve".

The New York Times

That may be difficult to achieve in practice.

The Economist

"If these problems are not turned around, it will be difficult to achieve any obvious progress".

The New York Times

Budget analysts said Monday that the five-year goal would itself be difficult to achieve.

The New York Times

Environmental law experts argue it would also be difficult to achieve anyway.

The Guardian

Even modest reductions will be difficult to achieve, and will be costly.

The New York Times

Such backing would be difficult to achieve because pacifism enjoys continuing popular support.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be difficult to achieve", consider specifying the reason for the difficulty to provide context and clarity. For example, "Due to budget constraints, the project will be difficult to achieve."

Common error

Avoid using "be difficult to achieve" when the task is simply time-consuming or requires effort, but is realistically attainable. Reserve it for situations where significant obstacles or uncertainties exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be difficult to achieve" functions as a commentary on the feasibility of attaining a particular goal or objective. It suggests that significant effort, resources, or overcoming obstacles may be necessary for success. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Unknown/unmatched sources

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be difficult to achieve" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe goals that present significant challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting its suitability for both formal and neutral communication. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific reasons why something might be difficult to achieve, providing clarity and context. While widely applicable, it's crucial to avoid overstating the difficulty when a task is simply time-consuming rather than genuinely challenging. Alternatives like "be tough to achieve" or "be challenging to achieve" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be tough to achieve

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the achievement.

be challenging to achieve

Highlights the demanding nature of the objective.

be problematic to achieve

Focuses on the potential issues or obstacles that could arise.

prove challenging to accomplish

Similar to "be challenging", but with a focus on the act of accomplishing.

be hard to attain

Emphasizes the effort required to reach the desired outcome.

be unlikely to materialize

Suggests a low probability of the goal becoming a reality.

face significant hurdles

Highlights the obstacles that must be overcome.

meet considerable resistance

Focuses on the opposition or challenges that will be encountered.

encounter substantial obstacles

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical barriers to achievement.

demand considerable resources

Suggests the need for significant investment to achieve the desired results.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be difficult to achieve"?

You can use alternatives like "be tough to achieve", "be challenging to achieve", or "be problematic to achieve" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be difficult to achieve" in formal writing?

Yes, "be difficult to achieve" is suitable for formal writing. While it is common, be sure to consider more sophisticated synonyms depending on the context, like "prove challenging to accomplish" or "be hard to attain".

What makes something "be difficult to achieve"?

Something might "be difficult to achieve" due to various factors, such as limited resources, complex procedures, a lack of expertise, or external obstacles. The phrase itself simply indicates the presence of significant challenges.

What's the difference between "be difficult to achieve" and "be impossible to achieve"?

"Be difficult to achieve" suggests that while there are challenges, success is still possible. "Be impossible to achieve" implies that success is not realistically attainable, regardless of effort or resources.