difficult facts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult facts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to facts that are challenging to accept or understand, often in discussions or analyses. Example: "The report presented some difficult facts about the environmental impact of our industry that we cannot ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He faces two difficult facts in national affairs.

The Economist

It requires confronting difficult facts – about yourself and about the world.

The Guardian - Books

More often, however, the family wants to keep difficult facts from the patient.

The New York Times - Health

He is going to have to contend with some difficult facts, like those in a new paper by the economist Emmanuel Saez of the University of California, Berkeley.

The New York Times

Because of their Christian idea – based on none of the kind of difficult facts Missourians claim (or at least claimed) to value – that a soul magically infuses a fertilized egg cell at the moment of conception.

The Guardian - Opinion

The depressing and terrible truth is that until our justice system changes, and until we're all prepared to face difficult facts, our children will remain more vulnerable than any Daybreak experiment could  ever prove.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This can be a difficult fact to accept for many of us.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it has proved a difficult fact to fully digest in light of Khatami's persistent popularity.

The Guardian - Opinion

At a future conference – 2013 perhaps – there will be serious trouble for the leadership when the party confronts this difficult fact.

The Guardian - Opinion

The difficult fact is that, with deployments looming over every National Guard unit in the country, there is simply no time for non-combat training.

The New York Times

Although it is understandable that some would like to turn away from this difficult fact, there is a kind of solace offered by stories that show us how endangered orphans or weary detectives go on living.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult facts" to introduce a problem or challenge, setting the stage for a discussion on potential solutions or strategies.

Common error

Avoid softening or minimizing the impact of "difficult facts". Acknowledge their importance and address them directly to maintain credibility and transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult facts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "facts". It describes facts that are challenging to accept, understand, or deal with. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult facts" is used to describe facts that are challenging to accept or understand. Ludwig AI validates that "difficult facts" is correct and appropriate for use in written English. It commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting its relevance in conveying serious or problematic information. Alternatives like "uncomfortable truths" or "challenging realities" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using "difficult facts", it is important to provide sufficient context and avoid downplaying their significance to maintain credibility. Overall, understanding and addressing "difficult facts" with transparency and honesty are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable truths

Focuses on the discomfort associated with facing these facts.

inconvenient realities

Highlights the disruptive nature of these facts.

challenging realities

Emphasizes the difficulty in dealing with the realities.

hard truths

Stresses the harshness and undeniable nature of the facts.

unpalatable facts

Highlights the unpleasant nature of the facts.

tough facts

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the facts.

undeniable truths

Highlights the fact that the truths cannot be denied.

harsh realities

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the realities.

sobering facts

Highlights the seriousness and sobering effect of these facts.

unpleasant realities

Focuses on the disagreeable nature of these facts.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult facts" to introduce challenging or unpleasant information. For example: "The presentation outlined some "difficult facts" about the company's financial situation".

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult facts"?

Alternatives include "uncomfortable truths", "challenging realities", or "hard truths", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "difficult facts"?

It's appropriate when you need to present information that is challenging to accept or understand, often in a context where honesty and transparency are important.

What's the difference between "difficult facts" and "hard facts"?

"Difficult facts" implies that the facts are hard to accept or deal with, while "hard facts" simply means the facts are concrete and undeniable. The former focuses on the emotional or intellectual challenge, the latter on the certainty of the information.