difficult terrains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult terrains" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe challenging or tough landscapes, often in contexts related to travel, hiking, or military operations. Example: "The expedition faced numerous challenges as they navigated through the difficult terrains of the mountain range."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The mountainous region where Mr. Mehsud's fighters are entrenched is considered one of the most difficult terrains for conventional warfare.

The New York Times

Pakistan's 1,800-mile 1,800-mileh Afghanistan in the most difficult terrains, with Pashtun triborder both sides, cannot be forcibly sealed.

The New York Times

One industry insider, who asked not to be named, said: "Major spills are likely to increase in the coming years as the industry strives to extract oil from increasingly remote and difficult terrains.

The Guardian

Tracked vehicles are well suited to operations performed on such difficult terrains as volcanic fields.

ROBOMECH Journal

As a result, the field operations have been conducted with the utmost safety, even in the most difficult terrains.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

It makes a variety of robots, including the internet sensation Big Dog, which can attain locomotion on a variety of different and difficult terrains.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It is very difficult terrain.

The Guardian

As a memoirist she manages some difficult terrain.

The New York Times - Books

Durand, anticipating the difficult terrain, had decided to fly more cautiously, slowing to preserve altitude.

The New York Times - Sports

It crossed varied and often difficult terrain that included large territories occupied by Native Americans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chariot's principal drawbacks were its expense and unsuitability for difficult terrain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "difficult terrains", be specific about what makes them challenging, such as steep inclines, dense vegetation, or unstable ground. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that terrains are "difficult" without explaining why. Describe the specific features that make them challenging to understand and appreciate the situation more fully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult terrains" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" is an adjective modifying the noun "terrains". It describes areas characterized by challenging physical features. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

47%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult terrains" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe landscapes or areas that present significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news, scientific, and general contexts to denote areas that are hard to navigate or traverse. When using this phrase, it is helpful to provide specific details about what makes the terrains "difficult" to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "challenging landscapes" or "rugged terrains" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rugged terrains

Emphasizes the uneven and harsh features of the terrain.

challenging landscapes

Focuses on the challenging nature of the landscapes, emphasizing the difficulties they pose.

complex terrains

Indicates that the terrains are intricate and complicated to navigate.

rough landscapes

Highlights the uneven and rugged nature of the terrains.

demanding landscapes

Stresses that the landscapes require significant effort to traverse or manage.

formidable terrains

Highlights the imposing and daunting nature of the terrains.

treacherous terrains

Highlights the potential dangers and hazards present in the terrains.

arduous landscapes

Emphasizes the difficulty and labor involved in navigating the landscapes.

precarious landscapes

Stresses the instability and uncertainty associated with these landscapes.

inhospitable terrains

Focuses on the unwelcoming and harsh conditions of the terrains.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult terrains" to describe areas that are challenging to traverse or navigate, such as "The explorers faced numerous obstacles while crossing the difficult terrains of the Amazon rainforest."

What are some alternatives to "difficult terrains"?

Some alternatives include "challenging landscapes", "rough landscapes", or "rugged terrains" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very difficult terrains"?

While not strictly redundant, adding "very" might be unnecessary. "Difficult terrains" already implies a significant level of challenge. Consider specifying the nature of the difficulty instead.

What makes terrains "difficult"?

Terrains can be "difficult" due to various factors, including steep slopes, dense vegetation, unstable ground, extreme weather conditions, or a combination of these elements.