difficult as it sounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult as it sounds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging that something may seem challenging, even if it appears straightforward. Example: "Learning a new language can be quite rewarding, difficult as it sounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This is as difficult as it sounds.

The New York Times

Nationalization isn't as difficult as it sounds.

The New York Times

That should not be as difficult as it sounds.

The Economist

That is more difficult, or as difficult, as it sounds.

The New Yorker

Q. Has it been easy to enforce? A. It really isn't as difficult as it sounds.

The New York Times

Leaving behind the easy life of retirement, he said, will not be as difficult as it sounds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

And not as hard as it sounds.

The New York Times

(About as hard as it sounds).

The New Yorker

It's as difficult to perform as it sounds and requires painstaking rehearsals that Ms. Coffman, 24, said can last up to 12 hours.

The New York Times - Arts

Our best strategy is, as difficult and trite as it sounds, to be at all places at once, Not with troops, necessarily, but with every bit of energy and constant attention that our entire national security apparatus — and those of our allies — can bring to bear.

The New York Times

Mad as it sounds".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult as it sounds" to introduce a statement that might seem counterintuitive or surprising, preparing the reader for a deeper explanation or unexpected challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult as it sounds" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound cliché and predictable. Instead, vary your language with synonyms or alternative phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult as it sounds" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. It sets up a statement that the speaker or writer anticipates may be met with skepticism or disbelief due to its apparent contradiction or counterintuitive nature. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is often followed by an explanation or justification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult as it sounds" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a statement that might seem surprising or counterintuitive. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. When using the phrase, remember to avoid overusing it and consider alternative phrasings to maintain engaging writing. When incorporating the phrase into your writing, it serves to prepare your audience for a statement they may find initially hard to accept, and encourages them to keep an open mind. Although it's a helpful way to manage reader expectations, remember there are similar phrasings to use like "challenging as it seems" or "complex as it may seem".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging as it seems

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "sounds" with "seems", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

hard as it appears

Substitutes "difficult" with "hard" and "sounds" with "appears", offering a slightly more direct and less nuanced tone.

complex as it may seem

Focuses on the complexity of the situation rather than the difficulty, suggesting a deeper level of intricacy.

not as simple as it seems

Highlights the deceptive simplicity of a situation, implying hidden challenges or complications.

more involved than it appears

Emphasizes the level of involvement or effort required, rather than just the difficulty.

trickier than it looks

Uses "trickier" to suggest a need for careful handling or strategy, rather than just effort.

deceptive in its simplicity

Highlights how the appearance of simplicity masks underlying difficulty.

more demanding than expected

Focuses on the unexpected level of demand a task places on the user.

not as straightforward as it seems

Emphasizes that something isn't as direct or uncomplicated as one might initially believe.

presents more obstacles than anticipated

Shifts the focus to the presence of obstacles, rather than a general sense of difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult as it sounds" to preface a statement that might seem hard to believe or counterintuitive. For example, "Paying off all your debt might seem impossible, but "difficult as it sounds", it's achievable with a solid plan and consistent effort."

What are some alternatives to "difficult as it sounds"?

Alternatives include "challenging as it seems", "hard as it appears", or "complex as it may seem". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "difficult as it sounds"?

Yes, "difficult as it sounds" is grammatically correct. The phrase uses an inverted structure for emphasis, which is acceptable in English.

What is the difference between "difficult as it sounds" and "more difficult than it sounds"?

"Difficult as it sounds" suggests something is surprisingly or unexpectedly challenging. "More difficult than it sounds" directly compares the perceived difficulty with the actual difficulty, emphasizing the underestimation. The second variant is a comparative sentence.