difficult as it might sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult as it might sound" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a statement or idea that may seem challenging or hard to accept. Example: "Difficult as it might sound, we need to make some significant changes to our current strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As difficult as it might sound, you must attempt to stick up for yourself, experts say.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Counting penguins isn't as hard as it might sound.

Science Magazine

It's not as far-fetched as it might sound.

The New York Times

The conclusion is not as preposterous as it might sound.

The New York Times

This debate was not as simple as it might sound.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not as awful as it might sound.

The Economist

This is not as improbable as it might sound.

The New York Times

That is not quite as fanciful as it might sound.

The Economist

That is not as risky as it might sound.

The Economist

That's not as crazy as it might sound.

The Guardian

This is not as weird as it might sound.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, follow it with a clear and concise explanation to justify the statement. Don't leave the audience hanging with just the initial disclaimer.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult as it might sound" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Instead, vary your introductory phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult as it might sound" functions as an introductory clause. It sets the stage for a statement that the speaker anticipates may be met with resistance or disbelief. Ludwig confirms that this is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult as it might sound" is a versatile phrase used to preface potentially challenging statements. Ludwig confirms that it is appropriate in written English. Its function is to prepare the audience, softening the impact of what follows. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Alternatives include "challenging as it may seem" or "hard as it may be", depending on the desired tone. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive. Make sure to follow it with clear justifications to fully explain the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging as it may seem

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and uses "seem" instead of "sound", maintaining a similar level of formality.

hard as it may be

Substitutes "difficult" with "hard", offering a more straightforward and less formal alternative.

tough as it may appear

Replaces "difficult" with "tough" and "sound" with "appear", providing a slightly more informal tone.

unlikely as it may seem

Shifts the focus to the improbability of the statement, rather than its difficulty.

strange as it may seem

Highlights the unusual or peculiar nature of the statement.

implausible as it may seem

Emphasizes the lack of immediate credibility or believability.

counterintuitive though it is

Directly points out that the statement goes against common sense.

it may be harder than you think

Shifts focus to the potential underestimation of difficulty.

though it presents obstacles

Focuses on the presence of impediments but does not highlight the speaker's anticipation of difficulty.

despite its apparent complexity

This option emphasizes complexity rather than difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult as it might sound" to introduce a statement that may seem challenging or hard to accept. For example: "Difficult as it might sound, we need to make some significant changes to our current strategy."

What can I say instead of "difficult as it might sound"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging as it may seem", "hard as it may be", or "tough as it may appear" depending on the context.

Is "difficult as it may sound" grammatically correct?

Yes, "difficult as it may sound" is grammatically correct. The variation "difficult as it might sound" is also acceptable.

What is the difference between "difficult as it might sound" and "hard as it might sound"?

While both phrases are similar, "difficult as it might sound" is slightly more formal. The choice between "difficult as it might sound" and "hard as it might sound" depends on the desired tone of your writing.