be difficult to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be difficult to use" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing something that poses challenges or complications in its usage. Example: "The new software can be difficult to use for beginners." Alternative expressions include "hard to use" and "challenging to operate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can be difficult to use.

The Guardian - Film

The problem is that they can be difficult to use.

The New York Times - Tech

Packages continue to be difficult to use correctly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As a result, it may be difficult to use the money in a meaningful fashion".

The New York Times

It would also be difficult to use the existing lines in human therapy.

The New York Times

Unless the body can be coaxed to accept the cells it will be difficult to use them as therapy.

Stanford University

Appointment systems may be difficult to use for members of communities in areas of social deprivation or low socioeconomic class.

Nature

A common denominator among the drugs topping the list is that they can be difficult to use.

The New York Times

It would be difficult to use the debris and known currents to trace it back to an origin.

Independent

But some political leaders say they believe it will be difficult to use his shortcomings against him.

The New York Times

It also allows overlapping of these data products on a virtual Martian globe, which can be difficult to use collectively.

Planetary and Space Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing software or technical tools, specify why something is "difficult to use". Providing context helps your audience understand the specific challenges.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "difficult to use" without further explanation. Provide specific examples of the challenges or complexities involved to add clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be difficult to use" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a quality or characteristic of a subject, indicating that something poses challenges or obstacles in its utilization. Ludwig examples showcase this function across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be difficult to use" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe the challenges or complexities associated with using something, whether it's software, a tool, or a method. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to provide specific examples of the difficulties to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "present usage challenges" or "are challenging to utilize" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are challenging to utilize

Synonymous replacement emphasizing the challenge in utilization; slightly more formal.

aren't user-friendly

Directly addresses the lack of user-friendliness; informal.

present usage challenges

Focuses on the challenges that arise when using something; more formal.

are cumbersome to work with

Highlights the awkwardness or inefficiency; emphasizes user experience.

pose difficulties in application

Emphasizes problems in the application process; highly formal.

are not easily implemented

Focuses on the ease of implementation.

require considerable effort to operate

Highlights the effort needed for operation; emphasizes the user's exertion.

are a hassle to employ

Emphasizes the inconvenience and annoyance of using it.

necessitate a steep learning curve

Highlights the amount of effort that the user needs to learn to use something.

demand significant expertise

Implies the need of advanced technical knowledge or specialized skill.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "are challenging to utilize", "aren't user-friendly", or "present usage challenges depending on the context.

What makes something "be difficult to use"?

Something might "be difficult to use" due to a complex interface, lack of clear instructions, technical glitches, or requiring specialized knowledge.

Is it better to say "be difficult to use" or "be hard to use"?

Both "be difficult to use" and "be hard to use" are acceptable. "Be difficult to use" is slightly more formal, while "be hard to use" is more common in everyday conversation.

When should I avoid using the phrase "be difficult to use"?

Avoid using "be difficult to use" without providing context or specific reasons. Instead of a vague statement, explain what aspects make it challenging.