difficult proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a challenging or complex idea, task, or situation that requires careful consideration or negotiation. Example: "Negotiating a peace treaty between the two countries is a difficult proposition, given their long history of conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a difficult proposition".

Independent

This makes new legislation a difficult proposition.

The New York Times

The Wii U is altogether a more difficult proposition.

The Guardian - Tech

That, Mr. Markowitz acknowledged, was a somewhat more difficult proposition.

The New York Times

The processing of SOFCs is an extremely difficult proposition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bluetooth earbuds, however, are a more difficult proposition.

The Guardian - Tech

Identifying who is who in the Taliban's shadow world is a difficult proposition.

Independent

Long usually rides atop a lightweight spear less than 10 feet long, an incredibly difficult proposition.

The New York Times

Disney needs to avoid getting lost in translation, an especially difficult proposition in China.

The New York Times

"It was a very difficult proposition, having a father who's also your guru," Fazal said.

The New York Times

Trump himself has admitted that his business ventures make even discussing world affairs a difficult proposition.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "difficult proposition", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the proposition difficult. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult proposition" as a vague descriptor. Always specify the reasons behind the difficulty to give the phrase more weight and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult proposition" primarily functions as a noun phrase complement, describing a noun or situation as challenging or problematic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable in various scenarios to denote complexity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult proposition" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe tasks, situations, or ideas that present significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, especially in news, sports, and business. While it can be used broadly, it's important to provide context to specify the nature of the difficulty. Alternatives like "challenging task" or "complex problem" can be used to add nuance. Remember to avoid vague applications and always justify the difficulty to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging task

Focuses on the effort required, emphasizing the task's inherent demands.

complex problem

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the issue.

thorny issue

Emphasizes the delicate and potentially contentious nature of the situation.

arduous undertaking

Stresses the strenuous and prolonged effort required.

formidable challenge

Underscores the significant obstacles and potential for failure.

demanding situation

Highlights the high expectations and pressures involved.

tough assignment

Focuses on the difficulty and rigor associated with a specific task.

delicate matter

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

complicated undertaking

Implies a high degree of complexity and potential for confusion.

uphill battle

Suggests a struggle against significant odds and resistance.

FAQs

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

The phrase "difficult proposition" can be used to describe a challenging task, situation, or idea. For example, "Negotiating a peace treaty is a difficult proposition" or "Convincing the board to invest in the project is a difficult proposition".

What are some alternatives to "difficult proposition"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging task", "complex problem", or "thorny issue" depending on the specific context.

Is "difficult proposition" a formal or informal expression?

"Difficult proposition" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.

What makes something a "difficult proposition"?

A "difficult proposition" typically involves complex challenges, significant obstacles, or high stakes. It suggests that achieving the desired outcome will require considerable effort, skill, or resources.