difficult request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a request that is challenging or hard to fulfill. Example: "I appreciate your willingness to help, but I must admit that this is a difficult request to accommodate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Frankly, it was a difficult request.

The New York Times - Arts

"Don't make me seem too picturesque," Samuel Menashe urged, making a difficult request.

The New York Times - Books

Then, one night in early 2013, he was at his parents' home when they made a difficult request.

The Washington Post

"This is going to be an extremely difficult request," said Representative John E. Sweeney, an upstate Republican close to the governor.

The New York Times

The 5,201 memorial competitors had to invent a new way to convey feelings of unspeakable grief -- a somewhat more difficult request.

The New York Times - Arts

Again, the next American president may have a difficult request in return, says Mr Hulsman: a demand that Europe undertakes a slashing reform of the common agricultural policy.Some Europeans suppose that Mr Obama is softer on Russia than Mr McCain.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

RestaurantRow.com has had its difficult requests.

The New York Times

The most difficult requests came from frustrated, worn-out givers.

Harvard Business Review

But, he complained, what happens when the Taliban comply with the world's difficult requests?

The New York Times

To all of us, saying yes to difficult requests not only made business sense, it was second nature.

Harvard Business Review

The most difficult requests?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult request", clearly articulate why the request is challenging. Providing context helps the recipient understand the scope of the challenge and potential roadblocks.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a request is "difficult" without explaining why. Instead of saying "This report is a difficult request", try "Creating this report is a difficult request due to limited access to key data and tight deadlines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult request" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "request". It serves to characterize the nature of the request, indicating that it presents challenges or obstacles. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a common and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

19%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult request" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a request that poses challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers, albeit often found in the News & Media context. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context about why the request is difficult to avoid ambiguity and manage expectations. Alternatives such as "challenging request" or "complex request" can add nuance depending on the specific nature of the challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging request

Replaces "difficult" with a synonym emphasizing the demanding nature of the request.

tough request

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", highlighting the demanding or burdensome aspect.

complex request

Focuses on the intricate or complicated nature of the request, rather than its difficulty.

problematic request

Highlights the issues or troubles associated with fulfilling the request.

demanding request

Emphasizes the high expectations or requirements associated with the request.

complicated request

Similar to "complex request", focuses on the intricacies involved.

arduous request

Replaces "difficult" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a laborious or strenuous effort is needed.

formidable request

Highlights the intimidating or daunting nature of the request.

onerous request

Stresses the burdensome or oppressive nature of fulfilling the request.

awkward request

Focuses on the potentially uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the request.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult request" to describe a task that is hard to accomplish. For example: "Due to the limited resources, fulfilling this "difficult request" will require extra time and effort."

What can I say instead of "difficult request"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging request", "complex request", or "tough request" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult request" or "challenging request"?

Both "difficult request" and "challenging request" are correct. "Challenging" might be preferred when you want to emphasize the stimulating or growth-oriented aspect of the request, while "difficult" simply highlights the hardship.

What makes a request a "difficult request"?

A request becomes a ""difficult request"" when it requires significant effort, resources, or expertise to fulfill, or when it presents significant obstacles or complications.