difficult decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult decision" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to a choice or judgement that is hard to make. For example, "You will have to make a difficult decision when deciding whether or not to accept the job offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most difficult decision.

The Guardian - Opinion

He faced a difficult decision.

The New Yorker

It's a very difficult decision".

The New York Times - Sports

The difficult decision is yours.

The New York Times - Arts

A difficult decision, indeed.

The Guardian - Tech

Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision".

The New York Times

"It was a difficult decision,' said Rosell.

Independent

And that's a very difficult decision.

Independent

"Dany makes a difficult decision in Meereen.

Independent

Ultimately, Cushing faced a difficult decision.

The New York Times

"This was a difficult decision," Irsay said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult decision", provide context to explain why the decision is challenging. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a decision is "difficult" without elaborating on the specific factors that make it so. Be specific about the challenges and trade-offs involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "decision". According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult decision" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a challenging choice. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to explain the reasons behind the difficulty. Alternatives like "tough choice" or "challenging decision" can be used to add nuance. Avoiding vagueness and providing specific details will enhance the impact and clarity of your writing. Given its widespread use and clear meaning, "difficult decision" remains a reliable and effective phrase for conveying the complexity of choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough choice

Replaces "decision" with "choice" and "difficult" with "tough", implying a challenging but perhaps less formal selection.

challenging decision

Substitutes "difficult" with "challenging", suggesting a decision that requires effort and thought.

complex choice

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the decision, highlighting the many factors involved.

hard decision to make

Adds the verb "to make", explicitly framing the phrase as an action, and replaces "difficult" with "hard".

unenviable decision

Highlights the undesirable nature of having to make the decision, suggesting it's a position no one would want to be in.

thorny issue

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the underlying issue rather than the decision itself.

conundrum

Implies a puzzling or confusing decision, emphasizing the lack of a clear solution.

problematic choice

Highlights the potential negative consequences or complications associated with the decision.

vexing question

Focuses on the troubling and irritating aspect of the matter at hand, rather than the decision itself.

critical juncture

Shifts the focus to the importance of the moment, implying that a decision must be made, but not necessarily highlighting its difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult decision" to describe a choice that involves significant challenges or consequences. For example, "Choosing between two equally appealing job offers was a "difficult decision"."

What can I say instead of "difficult decision"?

Alternatives include "tough choice", "challenging decision", or "complex choice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very difficult decision"?

While not strictly redundant, using "very" can sometimes be unnecessary. Consider whether a stronger adjective might be more impactful, or if the context already implies the high degree of difficulty.

What's the difference between "difficult decision" and "moral dilemma"?

A "difficult decision" implies a challenging choice based on practical considerations, while a "moral dilemma" involves a conflict between ethical principles, making the choice "complex choice" on ethical grounds.