difficult divorce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult divorce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a divorce that involves significant emotional, financial, or legal challenges. Example: "After months of negotiations, they finally reached an agreement, but it was a difficult divorce that took a toll on both of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He'd also gone through a difficult divorce.

The Guardian

I had three children and went through a difficult divorce.

The Guardian

Stapel and his wife, Marcelle, had supported Zeelenberg through a difficult divorce a few years earlier.

The New York Times - Magazine

In 1980 there was a difficult divorce from her husband of 8 years.

The New York Times - Magazine

Burnett was going through a difficult divorce, and was raising a one-year-old son.

The New Yorker

Ms. Charatan was going through a difficult divorce and custody battle when the two met.

The New York Times

When he met Ms. Sills, he was going through a difficult divorce.

The New York Times - Arts

The marriage lasted 16 months and ended in a difficult divorce.

The New York Times

Her young Indian lover she counselled through a difficult divorce from someone who later became a born-again storefront preacher.

The New Yorker

A: I have tried to be a good husband and a good father but I went through a difficult divorce when I was young, and it caused pain.

Harvard University

After a difficult divorce two decades ago, he turned increasingly to the songs of Elvis Presley, an idol of his youth, for consolation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a divorce, consider the specific challenges involved. Using "difficult divorce" provides a general description, but using more precise language (e.g., "high-conflict divorce", "financially taxing divorce") can give the reader a more vivid understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult divorce" as a blanket term for all divorces. Not all divorces are difficult, and using this term loosely can minimize the experiences of those who have navigated particularly challenging separations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult divorce" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and conveys the nature of the divorce process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult divorce" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe a marital dissolution characterized by significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to describe and categorize a specific type of separation that is not straightforward. Common alternatives include "contentious divorce" and "high-conflict divorce", offering more nuanced descriptions. While "difficult divorce" is commonly used, it is important to avoid overgeneralization and consider more specific terminology to accurately reflect the unique challenges of each situation. The frequency and authoritative sources, according to Ludwig examples, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, highlight its prevalence in news and media, indicating a neutral yet informative register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Contentious divorce

Highlights the dispute and disagreement involved in the divorce.

High-conflict divorce

Emphasizes the presence of intense conflict and animosity.

Messy divorce

Focuses on the disarray and complications associated with the divorce.

Complex divorce

Highlights the intricate legal and financial aspects.

Acrimonious divorce

Stresses the bitterness and resentment between the parties.

Emotionally draining divorce

Focuses on the emotional toll the divorce takes on those involved.

Financially taxing divorce

Highlights the financial burden and costs associated with the divorce.

Protracted divorce

Emphasizes the length and drawn-out nature of the divorce process.

Ugly divorce

Implies unpleasantness and potentially scandalous behavior.

Stressful divorce

Highlights the stress and anxiety induced by the divorce.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult divorce" to describe a divorce that involves significant emotional, financial, or legal challenges. For example: "Navigating a "difficult divorce" requires patience and resilience."

What are some alternatives to "difficult divorce"?

Alternatives include "contentious divorce", "high-conflict divorce", or "complex divorce", depending on which aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to describe someone's divorce as "difficult"?

It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. If the divorce involves evident challenges, it may be appropriate. However, be mindful and sensitive to their experience, and consider using a more specific descriptor if possible, such as "emotionally draining divorce".

What makes a divorce "difficult"?

A divorce can be considered "difficult" if it involves complex legal issues, high levels of conflict, significant financial strain, emotional distress, or challenges related to child custody and co-parenting.