difficult decision to make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult decision to make" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in both formal and informal contexts to describe any decision that is not easy or straightforward. For example: The team had to make a difficult decision to make about whether to modify the project timeline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's an incredibly difficult decision to make".

The Guardian

It is a difficult decision to make.

The Guardian - Sport

"This has been an extremely difficult decision to make.

Independent

He said it was a difficult decision to make.

The New York Times

It was not a difficult decision to make.

The Guardian

"This was a difficult decision to make," Ms. Adamson said.

The New York Times

And this has been an extremely difficult decision to make.

The Guardian

"It was a very difficult decision to make.

The New York Times

It was an extremely difficult decision to make.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a difficult decision to make, and it shouldn't be rushed.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Past OOPE participant, public hospital, Eastern Cape) "…we had a really difficult decision to make…and I said 'No, no.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult decision to make", consider adding context about why the decision is difficult. This can enhance clarity and provide a deeper understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult decision to make" as a generic statement. Always provide specific reasons or context to explain the difficulty involved in the decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult decision to make" functions as a descriptor of a situation involving a choice that is not easy or straightforward. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common and acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult decision to make" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to describe a challenging choice. As Ludwig AI indicates, its versatility is evident in its frequent appearance across diverse sources, from news articles to academic papers. While alternatives like "tough choice to make" or "challenging decision to make" exist, it's crucial to provide context explaining the difficulty for clarity. This phrase serves to emphasize the deliberation and potential stress involved, making it an effective descriptor in various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough choice to make

Replaces "difficult" with "tough", emphasizing the challenging nature of the decision.

challenging decision to make

Substitutes "difficult" with "challenging", highlighting the effort required in the decision.

hard decision to make

Uses "hard" instead of "difficult", maintaining a similar level of intensity.

complex decision to make

Replaces "difficult" with "complex", focusing on the intricate nature of the decision.

trying decision to make

Emphasizes the emotional strain associated with the decision.

serious decision to make

Highlights the potential consequences of the decision.

weighty decision to make

Implies the decision carries significant importance or responsibility.

momentous decision to make

Suggests the decision could have a lasting impact or alter the course of events.

consequential decision to make

Focuses on the far-reaching effects of the decision.

critical decision to make

Emphasizes the importance of the decision for future success.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult decision to make" to describe a challenging choice. For example: "Choosing between the two job offers was a "difficult decision to make"."

What are some alternatives to "difficult decision to make"?

Some alternatives include "tough choice to make", "challenging decision to make", or "hard decision to make".

Is it more appropriate to say "difficult decision to make" or "hard decision to make"?

Both "difficult decision to make" and "hard decision to make" are acceptable, but "difficult" may sound slightly more formal.

What makes a decision qualify as a "difficult decision to make"?

A "difficult decision to make" typically involves conflicting factors, high stakes, or significant uncertainty, leading to considerable deliberation and potential stress.