difficult setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult setting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging environment or context in which a task or situation occurs. Example: "The difficult setting of the exam room made it hard for students to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Contraction has held up the start of bargaining for a new labor agreement and threatens to make those negotiations more difficult, setting a discordant tone for the talks.

The New York Times - Sports

What the experts do agree on is that estimating turn-out is actually difficult, setting aside the question whether an estimate is actually good enough.

The Guardian

I don't highlight my own problems for anyone to feel sorry for me – as a second generation, privately educated white male with a job I live life on the easiest difficult setting.

The Guardian

To the contrary, it is far more likely to make it still more difficult, setting back the very goal you seek.

Huffington Post

But they discussed these hopes in a more difficult setting.

The New York Times

It also posed an important test, in the most difficult setting, for the new postracial politics.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

AFTER years of rightly criticizing President Robert Mugabe's authoritarian rule in Zimbabwe, Western countries now face a different, and difficult, set of decisions.

The New York Times

By this point, it can be difficult set aside the U.S. judgment.

WikiHow

If counting is difficult, set a kitchen timer or cell phone timer at the top of your mat.

WikiHow

The river presents a difficult set of reclamation problems.

The New York Times

Still, the officials had a difficult set of options.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a context as a "difficult setting", be specific about what makes it challenging. Provide details to clarify the nature of the difficulty, such as resource limitations, complex dynamics, or high stakes.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult setting" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply stating that a situation is a "difficult setting", elaborate on the specific obstacles and complexities involved. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult setting" functions as an adjective-noun combination used to describe a context or environment that presents challenges or obstacles. As Ludwig AI tells us, it indicates that the situation is not easy or straightforward. Examples show its use in describing work environments, political situations, and even game levels.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult setting" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for describing a challenging environment or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the presence of complexities and obstacles. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. Alternatives such as "challenging situation" or "tough environment" can offer nuanced variations, and as Ludwig shows, being specific about the nature of the difficulty enhances clarity. Overall, using "difficult setting" appropriately involves providing context and avoiding overuse as a vague descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging situation

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation rather than the environment itself.

tough environment

Highlights the harshness and demanding conditions of the environment.

problematic situation

Emphasizes the troubles and issues associated with the given context.

complex scenario

Highlights the multifaceted and intricate nature of the context.

demanding circumstances

Stresses the high requirements and challenges posed by the situation.

testing conditions

Highlights the way the situation tests one's abilities or resources.

trying environment

Emphasizes the frustrating and difficult aspects of the environment.

adverse circumstances

Focuses on the negative and unfavorable conditions.

unfavorable conditions

Highlights the lack of support or advantage in the environment.

precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult setting" to describe a challenging environment or context. For example, "The study was conducted in a "challenging environment", which required innovative solutions."

What are some alternatives to "difficult setting"?

Some alternatives include "challenging situation", "tough environment", or "problematic situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "difficult setting" formal or informal?

"Difficult setting" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in professional and academic writing. However, in informal contexts, it may require more explanation to fully convey the meaning.

What makes a setting "difficult"?

A setting can be considered "difficult" due to various factors such as limited resources, complex interpersonal dynamics, high-pressure situations, or adverse environmental conditions. Identifying these factors helps to understand the challenges involved.