difficult item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object, task, or question that is challenging to deal with or understand. Example: "The exam included a difficult item that stumped many students."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"It's a difficult item to produce," he said.

The New York Times

Martin Schulz, the president of the European parliament, said: "Treaty change will, for sure, be a difficult item.

The Guardian

We have written into this agreement that we agree there should be no further transfer of sovereignty or powers over the course of the next parliament, and that was not a difficult item to agree with the Liberal Democrats.

The Guardian

(It had been a difficult item to find initially, because it had to fit in a confined space and so was a bit of an oddball model in terms of size).

The New York Times

The tie was a particularly difficult item to choose; artisanal knitted ones with horizontal bars were ideal, denoting radical instincts with a (slight) sense of fun and enthusiasm for traditional crafts; an easier option would be an official Labour, Tribune Group or trade union tie; the more retro the motif the better.

Independent

In contrast to CTT, a higher b value indicates a more difficult item.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Most difficult items: The hardest thing you can move is the piano.

The New York Times

The scores are derived by assigning different values to different items, with greater weight given to difficult items than easy ones.

The New York Times

If you can't, the system helps you to understand difficult items by providing "educational examples" or translations of individual words.

The Guardian

The issue is critical to protecting the interests of the City of London and is probably among the most difficult items on Britain's renegotiation agenda.

The Guardian

Items near the top are more difficult items while those near the bottom are less difficult items.

Language Testing in Asia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult item", consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "challenging task" or "complex problem" would provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult item" when a simpler word like "hard" or "challenging" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult item" functions as a noun phrase where "difficult" modifies the noun "item". It identifies something specific that presents a challenge or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult item" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something challenging, whether it's a task, question, or object. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts, primarily science and news media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose the most precise term, as alternatives like "challenging task" or "complex problem" might offer greater clarity in certain situations. Avoiding overuse in simple contexts ensures your writing remains clear and concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging task

Focuses on the effort required, emphasizing the action rather than the object.

complex matter

Highlights the intricacy and multi-layered nature of the subject.

problematic element

Suggests that the item causes issues or complications.

tough question

Specifies the difficulty as related to a question or inquiry.

knotty issue

Emphasizes the intricacy and difficulty in resolving the issue.

demanding requirement

Highlights the high standards or effort needed to fulfill the requirement.

onerous burden

Indicates that the item is heavy or troublesome to bear.

intricate detail

Focuses on the complexity and fine-grained nature of the item.

arduous undertaking

Emphasizes the laborious and prolonged effort involved.

testing ordeal

Suggests that the item presents a severe challenge or trial.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult item" to describe something that is challenging to accomplish, understand, or acquire. For example, "The exam included a "difficult item" that stumped many students."

What are some alternatives to "difficult item"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "challenging task", "complex matter", or "problematic element".

When is it appropriate to use "difficult item" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "difficult item" when referring to a specific object, question, or task that presents a notable challenge. It is suitable for formal and professional contexts, but consider simpler alternatives for informal settings.

What makes something a "difficult item" rather than just "difficult"?

Using "difficult item" implies that you are referring to a particular object, element, or thing that is causing difficulty. Simply saying "difficult" is more general and may require additional context.