be difficult to analyze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be difficult to analyze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that poses challenges in understanding or interpreting, such as data, texts, or situations. Example: "The results of the experiment can be difficult to analyze due to the numerous variables involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It would be difficult to analyze systematically whether the mountain of articles, blog postings and video segments tilts toward one candidate or the other.

The New York Times

There is concern, Mr. Zielinski said, that the agency could be requiring so much information that it would be difficult to analyze, impeding an investigation.

The New York Times

But the statistics, which were compiled from various church and civil authorities, can be difficult to analyze in the short term.

The New York Times

It's difficult to read a definition like "(esp. of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe," and have subtle immediately spring to mind; or to come across "reduce the force, effect or value of" and think of attenuate.

The New York Times - Magazine

But they require payment of substantial upfront costs and can be difficult to analyze.

Forbes

However, a very detailed description of a network may be difficult to analyze and often requires considerable computational efforts.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"You don't want something so complex that it's difficult to analyze and apply".

The New York Times

Professor Tony Travers of the LSE said the spending power presentation was difficult to analyze : It's opaque in a way that makes comprehension difficult.

The Guardian

The budget process is complex, an annual, almost sacred ritual of give and take that is difficult to analyze before it is completed.

The New York Times

Sam Chesneau, Gorilla FC, Seattle: It's really been difficult to analyze anything news related that doesn't involve the fact that Clint Dempsey is now a Seattle Sounder.

The Guardian - Sport

DESPITE the rewards of busted convertibles, they are not for everyone, specialists agree, because they are difficult to analyze, illiquid and risky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be difficult to analyze", consider specifying why something is difficult to analyze. This adds clarity and depth to your writing. For instance, instead of saying "The data was difficult to analyze", say "The data was difficult to analyze due to the presence of numerous confounding variables".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice with the phrase "be difficult to analyze". While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make your writing seem weak. Instead, consider rephrasing to use active voice, which often results in a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "The results are difficult to analyze", try "Analyzing the results is difficult".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be difficult to analyze" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as possessing the quality of being hard to examine and understand. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts. This phrase typically appears after a linking verb (e.g., is, are, was, were, can be).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be difficult to analyze" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the challenging nature of understanding or interpreting something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a predicate adjective and is grammatically correct. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's helpful to specify why something is difficult to analyze to provide greater clarity. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, avoiding overuse of passive voice can enhance writing style. Alternative phrases such as "be challenging to interpret" or "be hard to understand" may be more suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be challenging to interpret

Replaces "analyze" with "interpret", suggesting a focus on understanding meaning rather than detailed examination. Slightly changes the nuance by emphasizing comprehension.

be hard to understand

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the difficulty in grasping the meaning, shifting away from the technical aspect of analysis.

be complex to assess

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex" and "analyze" with "assess", highlighting the complicated nature of the evaluation process.

be problematic to evaluate

Indicates that the evaluation process is fraught with issues and obstacles, emphasizing the problematic aspect.

present difficulties in interpretation

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the difficulties inherent in the interpretation process, altering the structure significantly.

pose a challenge to understanding

Highlights the aspect of challenge that needs to be overcome in order to fully understand.

be intricate to decipher

Uses "intricate" and "decipher" to suggest a complex code or puzzle that needs to be solved, adding a layer of complexity.

be tough to make sense of

Emphasizes the effort required to understand something, using more informal language.

be resistant to scrutiny

Implies that close examination may not yield clear results, focusing on the lack of yielding.

defy easy analysis

Suggests that the subject resists straightforward analytical methods, emphasizing its recalcitrant nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "be difficult to analyze" to describe data, situations, or concepts that pose challenges in understanding or interpretation. For example, "The survey responses "were difficult to analyze" due to the ambiguous wording of the questions".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "be challenging to interpret", "be hard to understand", or "be complex to assess". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "be difficult to analyze" or "is difficult to analyze"?

The choice between "be difficult to analyze" and "is difficult to analyze" depends on the subject's number. Use "is" for singular subjects (e.g., "The problem is difficult to analyze") and "be" in other contexts (e.g., "These problems can be difficult to analyze").

What makes something "be difficult to analyze"?

Something might "be difficult to analyze" due to various factors, such as complexity, ambiguity, a large number of variables, lack of clear data, or inherent contradictions. For instance, "The economic situation "can be difficult to analyze" because of the many interconnected global factors".