difficult as it might appear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult as it might appear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to acknowledge that something may seem challenging or complex, while suggesting that it may not be as daunting as it seems. Example: "Difficult as it might appear, mastering this skill requires only practice and patience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While that might seem like a lot, when you break it down you see that it's not as difficult as it might appear.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's not as glamorous as it might appear.

The Guardian

Constitutional democracy is not so assured as it might appear.

The New Yorker

The answer to this question is not as easy as it might appear.

Columbia University

This is not as daft a question as it might appear.

The Guardian - Business

"We will not be outspent in practice as much as it might appear".

The New York Times

So the body is not as autonomous and self-contained as it might appear.

The New York Times - Science

The connection is not quite as odd as it might appear.

Independent

Yet the system was not as democratic as it might appear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Harding gives us Snowden's backstory, which is not as straightforward as it might appear.

The Guardian - Books

Choose one article and rewrite it as it might appear in the newspaper in 2004.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult as it might appear" to introduce a surprising or counterintuitive point, suggesting that the perceived difficulty is not the reality. It can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult as it might appear" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and formulaic. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult as it might appear" functions as an introductory phrase or clause. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used to concede a potential challenge or complexity before presenting a counter-argument or a more positive perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult as it might appear" is a grammatically correct and commonly used introductory phrase that serves to acknowledge potential challenges while suggesting that the situation may not be as daunting as initially perceived. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure it introduces a genuine counterpoint or reassuring perspective to maintain credibility and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "not as hard as it looks" or "easier than you think" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as hard as it looks

Focuses on the apparent effort rather than complexity.

not as complicated as it seems

Emphasizes the simplicity beneath a complex facade.

easier than you think

Offers a more encouraging and less formal perspective.

not as challenging as it may seem

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" for slight variation.

it's not rocket science

Uses an idiom to suggest simplicity.

less daunting than expected

Highlights the reduction of fear or intimidation.

more manageable than anticipated

Highlights that something is more controllable than expected.

simpler than it appears at first glance

Highlights initial perception versus reality.

the task is not as hard as it looks

Emphasizes on the task at hand.

it's more accessible than you imagine

Focuses on ease of access or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult as it might appear" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult as it might appear" to introduce a statement that something is not as challenging as it seems. For example, "Difficult as it might appear, mastering this skill requires only practice and patience".

What are some alternatives to "difficult as it might appear"?

Some alternatives include "not as hard as it looks", "easier than you think", or "not as complicated as it seems".

Is "difficult as it might appear" formal or informal?

"Difficult as it might appear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It strikes a balance between acknowledging potential challenges and offering reassurance.

What's the difference between "difficult as it might appear" and "challenging as it may seem"?

The phrases are very similar. "Difficult as it might appear" focuses on the perceived struggle, while "challenging as it may seem" emphasizes the demanding nature of the task. Both suggest that the reality is less intense than the initial impression.