difficult procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult procedure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts. For example, "The installation of the new software requires a difficult procedure that must be carefully followed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It wasn't a very difficult procedure to follow," he said.

The New York Times

Overcoming this fear is often a most difficult procedure.

Harvard Business Review

It was a difficult procedure involving demolishing housing, relocating the residents and building new housing".

The New York Times

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is a difficult procedure that has become increasingly popular.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

After a difficult procedure involving the transplanted use of her younger sister's eggs, she is the mother of school-age twins.

The New York Times - Books

Minimum viable site networks are crucial for many threatened species but their design is always a difficult procedure.

Acta Oecologica

Besides being a difficult procedure, resection also carried a high risk of profuse bleeding, infection and postoperative necrosis of the flesh.

The New York Times

Using wearable virtual reality equipment, similar to that of Google Glass, developed specifically for the surgical procedure, doctor completed the difficult procedure.

Independent

Percutaneous removal of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads is a difficult procedure because of the consequence of massive fibrous tissue growth along the lead.

Heart Rhythm

RTSA remains a technically difficult procedure and, therefore, care must be taken in indications and surgical technique for a successful outcome.

Seminars in Arthroplasty

Repair of the quadratus pronator after osteosynthesis of the distal radius via the Henry approach is generally considered a difficult procedure.

Revue de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Réparatrice de l'Appareil Moteur

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult procedure", be specific about the aspects that make it challenging. This adds clarity and informs the audience about the potential complexities involved.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a procedure is "difficult" without providing context. Explain the specific reasons behind the difficulty, such as the skill required, potential risks, or resource constraints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult procedure" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "procedure". Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable phrase, commonly employed to describe processes that are challenging or require significant effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult procedure" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a process that presents significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, including science, news, and formal business settings. While generally neutral, its register can adapt based on context. When using "difficult procedure", specifying the reasons for the difficulty enhances clarity. Alternatives like "challenging process" or "complex operation" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. The phrase's high frequency and broad applicability make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging process

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the process.

complex operation

Highlights the intricate nature of the operation.

complicated task

Focuses on the intricate details of the task.

arduous undertaking

Implies a laborious and challenging effort.

demanding endeavor

Stresses the high demands and requirements of the task.

intricate maneuver

Highlights the precise and delicate nature of the action.

laborious activity

Emphasizes the effort and time required for the activity.

testing endeavor

Highlights the trial or stressful nature of the endeavor.

onerous task

Implies a burdensome or oppressive nature of the task.

elaborate scheme

Highlights the complex and detailed planning required.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "difficult procedure" in a sentence?

To effectively use "difficult procedure", provide context about what makes the procedure challenging. For instance, you might say, "Performing a root canal is a "difficult procedure" due to the small space and the need for precision".

What are some alternative phrases for "difficult procedure"?

Instead of "difficult procedure", you could use phrases such as "challenging process", "complex operation", or "complicated task" to convey a similar meaning with slight nuances.

Is it more appropriate to say "difficult procedure" or "complicated procedure"?

Both "difficult procedure" and "complicated procedure" are acceptable, but they emphasize different aspects. "Difficult" highlights the effort or skill required, while "complicated" emphasizes the intricacy and complexity of the steps involved. The best choice depends on the specific context you wish to highlight.

What makes a procedure qualify as a "difficult procedure"?

A procedure may be considered a "difficult procedure" if it requires specialized skills, involves significant risks, demands high precision, or is resource-intensive. The specific reasons for the difficulty should be clearly identified to provide a comprehensive understanding.