difficult one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult one" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a specific thing or situation that is challenging or complicated. Example: "The math problem was a difficult one, but with some help from the teacher, I was able to solve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that the difficult one?

The New Yorker

Difficult one to answer.

The Guardian

IME: Difficult one, that.

The Guardian - Books

Oh that's a difficult one.

The Guardian

BD: He's a difficult one.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is a difficult one.

The Guardian

It's a difficult one for Hollywood.

The Guardian

Oh God, that's a difficult one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Is the governor's job a difficult one?

The New York Times

This is the most difficult one.

The New York Times

"It's the most difficult one to crack.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "difficult one" with specific reasons or explanations to provide context and clarity about the nature of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult one" as a generic descriptor. Instead, provide specific details about what makes the subject challenging to maintain clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "The project was a difficult one", say "The project was a "difficult one" due to unforeseen technical challenges and tight deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult one" functions as a descriptor, typically following a linking verb (e.g., is, was, seems). It attributes a quality of difficulty to a specific noun or situation. Ludwig examples show it modifying a range of subjects, from tasks to decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult one" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something challenging or complex. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its widespread use in general communication. While versatile, it's important to provide context to specify the nature of the difficulty. Consider related phrases like "tough one" or "tricky one" for nuanced variations. Remember to avoid overuse without specifics to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough one

Replaces "difficult" with "tough", emphasizing the demanding nature of the subject.

tricky one

Substitutes "difficult" with "tricky", highlighting the potential for deception or requiring careful handling.

challenging one

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", focusing on the stimulating and growth-oriented nature of the subject.

problematic one

Emphasizes the troublesome or unfavorable aspects of the situation.

complicated one

Focuses on the intricate and complex nature of the subject.

knotty one

Replaces "difficult" with "knotty", indicating an intricate and tangled issue.

complex situation

Shifts from a phrase to a noun phrase, emphasizing the overall intricacy of the circumstance.

sticky situation

Emphasizes the awkward and potentially problematic aspects of the situation.

delicate matter

Highlights the sensitivity and careful handling required for the subject.

awkward predicament

Emphasizes the embarrassing or uncomfortable aspects of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult one" to describe a challenging task, question, or situation. For example, "Choosing between the two options was a "difficult one"".

What can I say instead of "difficult one"?

You can use alternatives like "tough one", "tricky one", or "challenging one" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "difficult one" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when aiming for a conversational tone. However, more formal alternatives like "challenging situation" or "complex issue" may be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "difficult one" and "complicated one"?

"Difficult one" generally implies a challenge requiring effort or skill, while "complicated one" suggests intricacy and complexity. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the effort required or the complexity involved.