difficult job

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult job" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe a challenging or demanding task or occupation. Example: "I have a difficult job as a software engineer, but the satisfaction of solving complex problems makes it worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Teaching is a difficult job.

The New York Times

It has been a difficult job.

The New Yorker

It's a very, very difficult job.

The New York Times

CENTRAL bankers have a difficult job.

The Economist

They have a very difficult job.

The New York Times

He then began his difficult job search.

The New York Times

"It's quite a difficult job.

The Guardian

This was a difficult job.

The Guardian

"It's a very difficult job," he said.

The New York Times

"It's a very difficult job," she says.

The Guardian

They do an incredibly difficult job.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult job", be specific about what makes it challenging. Instead of simply stating it's "difficult", elaborate on the required skills, time commitment, or emotional toll.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult job" as a vague descriptor. Instead, replace it with more descriptive terms that highlight the specific challenges, such as "demanding role" or "complex project", to provide a clearer picture of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult job" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "job". It describes a job characterized by challenges, complexities, or a high degree of effort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult job" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe tasks or occupations that require significant effort, skill, or resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional or academic settings. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media. When using "difficult job", consider providing specific details about the challenges involved rather than relying on the phrase as a vague descriptor. Alternatives such as "challenging position" or "demanding task" can offer a more nuanced description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging position

Emphasizes the stimulating and demanding nature of the job.

tough assignment

Focuses on the resilience needed to complete the task.

demanding task

Highlights the high requirements and effort involved.

formidable responsibility

Emphasizes the weight and importance of the duties involved.

complex endeavor

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task.

testing role

Emphasizes the challenging and evaluative aspects of the job.

arduous undertaking

Suggests a long and strenuous effort.

complicated project

Highlights the intricate nature of the project making it difficult to approach.

grueling occupation

Suggests a physically and mentally exhausting job.

laborious activity

Highlights the physical or mental exertion required.

FAQs

What does "difficult job" mean?

A "difficult job" refers to a task or position that requires significant effort, skill, or resilience to accomplish successfully.

What can I say instead of "difficult job"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging position", "demanding task", or "arduous undertaking" depending on the context.

How can I make my description of a "difficult job" more specific?

Instead of simply stating it's a "difficult job", elaborate on the specific aspects that make it challenging, such as the skills required, the time commitment, or the emotional toll. For example, "The role requires navigating complex regulations and managing tight deadlines" is more descriptive.

Is it appropriate to use "difficult job" in formal writing?

While "difficult job" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "demanding task" or "complex endeavor" in professional or academic contexts to convey a more sophisticated tone.