difficult case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult case" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or problem that is complex or challenging. Example: The lawyer took on a difficult case, defending a client who was accused of a serious crime with little evidence to support their innocence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tularemia is an especially difficult case.

The New York Times - Magazine

Syria, however, is a more difficult case.

The New York Times

"It's just a very difficult case".

The New York Times

(It had not been a difficult case.

The New Yorker

But Rauschenberg is a deceptively difficult case.

The New York Times

"So they say no to the more difficult case".

The New York Times

It may be a difficult case to make.

The New York Times

Some noted that it had always been a difficult case.

The New York Times

This should not be a difficult case to decide.

The New York Times

"That'd be a very difficult case to make," he said.

The New Yorker

"This is a very difficult case to crack," Musole said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as a "difficult case", be specific about what makes it challenging. Providing context helps the reader understand the complexities involved.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult case" as a generic descriptor. Instead of simply stating something is a "difficult case", explain the specific challenges and complexities that make it so. This provides more informative and valuable content for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult case" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "case". It is used to describe a situation, problem, or matter that presents significant challenges or complexities. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts, highlighting the diverse nature of these challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult case" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a challenging or complex situation. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, providing specific context about the nature of the difficulty enhances clarity. Alternatives such as "challenging situation" or "complex matter" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding its function and usage patterns ensures effective communication in both professional and general settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex situation

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the situation.

challenging instance

Highlights the demanding and testing aspect of the case.

problematic scenario

Emphasizes the potential issues and complications involved.

tricky matter

Suggests a situation requiring careful handling and tact.

complicated affair

Indicates a situation with numerous interconnected elements.

delicate situation

Highlights the sensitivity and potential for negative consequences.

thorny issue

Implies a contentious and problematic point of concern.

intricate problem

Focuses on the complex and interwoven nature of the difficulty.

knotty question

Suggests a problem that is tangled and hard to resolve.

sensitive subject

Emphasizes the need for careful and considerate approach.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult case" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult case" to describe situations in law, medicine, or personal matters. For example, "The lawyer took on a "difficult case" involving complex financial fraud" or "The patient presented a "difficult case" due to multiple underlying health conditions."

What are some synonyms for "difficult case"?

Synonyms for "difficult case" include "challenging situation", "complex matter", or "problematic scenario". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "difficult case" or "complicated case"?

Both "difficult case" and "complicated case" are acceptable, but "difficult case" often implies that the problem is hard to solve, while "complicated case" suggests that it involves many complex parts. They can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but not always.

What makes a case "difficult"?

A case can be "difficult" due to a lack of evidence, complex legal issues, conflicting testimonies, or the sensitive nature of the subject matter. The term is subjective and depends on the specific challenges involved.