difficult point

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult point" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an issue or topic that is complicated or hard to understand. For example: "The taxation regulations are a difficult point to grasp fully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a difficult point.

The New York Times

A difficult point.

The New Yorker

It is a difficult point to carry.

Independent

That's the difficult point, but it can be done.

Harvard University

Interviewer: A difficult point to argue, under the circumstances.

Stanford University

It's a difficult point to dispute in this argumentative collection.

The New Yorker

This is a potentially difficult point of negotiation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is a particularly difficult point to make to liberals.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most difficult point is to obtain the bounded estimate and the energy estimate.

Nonlinear Analysis: Theory, Methods & Applications

Since, parameter optimization is the important and difficult point of complex Morlet wavelet application.

Procedia Engineering

It is the difficult point to identify and predict natural fractures by using conventional logging data.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult point", consider adding context to specify what makes the point difficult, such as its complexity, sensitivity, or potential consequences. For example, instead of saying "That's a difficult point", try "That's a difficult point because it involves balancing competing interests."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "difficult point" as a generic descriptor. Instead, elaborate on the specific challenge or complication the point presents. This provides clarity and enhances the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult point" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a specific issue, argument, or aspect that presents a challenge or complication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and correct construction. Examples throughout Ludwig demonstrate this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

27%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult point" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, widely used to denote a challenging or complex issue across various domains. Its prevalence in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia" showcases its applicability in diverse settings. While alternatives like "challenging aspect" or "problematic issue" exist, "difficult point" offers a direct and readily understood way to highlight potential stumbling blocks in discussions or analyses. Remember to contextualize its usage to convey specific nuances for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging aspect

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", focusing on the demanding nature of the aspect.

problematic issue

Substitutes "point" with "issue", highlighting the problematic nature of the matter.

complex matter

Emphasizes the intricate and complicated nature of the subject.

tricky situation

Highlights the delicate and potentially problematic nature of the scenario.

sensitive area

Focuses on the delicate and potentially controversial nature of the topic.

tough proposition

Indicates a demanding and potentially unachievable element.

knotty problem

Replaces the wording to imply the intricate and complicated nature of an issue.

thorny question

Substitutes the wording to emphasize the prickly and sensitive nature of a question.

delicate subject

Focuses on the need for careful handling and consideration of a topic.

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of a particular moment or stage.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult point" to refer to a challenging aspect of an argument, situation, or negotiation. For example: "Reaching a consensus on this matter proved to be a "difficult point" during the discussions."

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult point"?

Alternatives include "challenging aspect", "problematic issue", or "complex matter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "difficult point" when you want to highlight a specific aspect that is challenging, complex, or sensitive within a broader context.

Is there a more formal way to express "difficult point"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "complex matter", "sensitive area", or "thorny question" to maintain a higher level of formality.