difficult for

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "difficult for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is hard to do or understand. For example, "Learning a new language is difficult for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's difficult for anyone.

The New York Times - Sports

It's difficult for me.

The New York Times

It's difficult for him.

Independent

"It's difficult for their situation.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was difficult for everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

It's difficult for goalkeepers, though.

The New York Times

It was difficult for Andy.

The New York Times

This is difficult for him".

The New Yorker

It's very difficult for me".

The New York Times

Anniversaries are difficult for newspapers.

The New York Times

It wasn't difficult for them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult for", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is experiencing the difficulty. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult for" without a clear subject. For example, instead of saying "It's difficult for", specify who or what finds it difficult (e.g., "It's difficult for students").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult for" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something poses a challenge or hardship for a specific entity. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to express difficulty experienced by individuals or groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult for" is a versatile phrase used to express that something presents challenges or hardships for a particular person or group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly identify who or what is experiencing the difficulty to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "challenging for" or "hard for" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, understanding the correct usage of "difficult for" can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging for

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", implying a stimulating but demanding situation.

hard for

Uses a more straightforward synonym for "difficult", making the phrase slightly less formal.

tough for

Similar to "hard for", but suggests a more resilient or robust difficulty.

complicated for

Indicates that the difficulty arises from the complexity of the situation.

problematic for

Highlights that the difficulty poses a problem or obstacle.

trying for

Suggests that the difficulty is testing one's patience or endurance.

taxing for

Emphasizes that the difficulty is burdensome or draining.

strenuous for

Implies that the difficulty requires considerable effort or energy.

arduous for

Similar to strenuous, but suggests a longer or more sustained difficulty.

not easy for

Uses a negative construction to express the difficulty in a more understated way.

FAQs

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

Use "difficult for" to indicate that something presents challenges or hardships for a specific person or group. For example, "The transition to online learning was "difficult for" many students".

What are some alternatives to "difficult for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "challenging for", "hard for", or "tough for" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "difficult for me" or should I use another phrase?

"Difficult for me" is a perfectly acceptable and common phrase. It directly expresses that something is challenging from your personal perspective. There's no grammatical reason to avoid it.

How does ""difficult for"" differ from "difficult to"?

"Difficult for" specifies who is experiencing the difficulty, while "difficult to" describes something that is inherently hard to do or understand. For example, "This task is difficult for beginners" versus "This task is difficult to complete".