difficult though it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult though it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a challenge or difficulty while still making a point or expressing an opinion. Example: "Difficult though it is, we must continue to strive for progress in our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Europe should recognise that the protesters need support, difficult though it is to intervene in the internal affairs of a member state.

The Guardian - Opinion

If they cannot, companies are better off trying to transform themselves into solution providers or, difficult though it is, into low-cost players.

Harvard Business Review

And yet the rewards of making and remaking that turn, difficult though it is, have gone way beyond my wildest hopes back then.

The Guardian - Opinion

In writing Peter Grimes, I wanted to express my awareness of the perpetual struggle of men and women whose livelihood depends on the sea – difficult though it is to treat such a universal subject in theatrical form.

The Guardian - Music

Tender and sympathetic though she is to her subjects' compulsions, and difficult though it is to be completely immune to the appeal of dissolute lives in our timid time, it mostly makes for depressing reading, which was, perhaps, her point.

The New Yorker

Difficult though it is to recall today, the United Nations was expected to operate as an institutionalized form of the wartime alliance, with the victorious powers at its core and a military committee to serve as their Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Sometimes, though, it is difficult to obtain local products.

Princeton University

In the meantime, though, it is difficult to escape the evidence.

The New York Times - Science

For now, though, it is difficult to be optimistic about Yemen's future.

BBC

Though, it is difficult to have total separation in non-linear systems.

BMC Systems Biology

"At present, though, it is very difficult to measure binding interactions at membrane surfaces.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. While grammatically correct, it may come across as somewhat formal or literary in casual contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult though it is" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler phrases like "even though it's hard" or "although it's challenging" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a condition or concession. It sets up a contrast, acknowledging the difficulty before presenting a statement. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult though it is" serves as an adverbial modifier used to acknowledge a challenge before introducing a related statement. While grammatically sound, it is more suited to neutral and formal contexts, and according to Ludwig, is usable in written English. The phrase finds use across News & Media, Science, and Academia, however, it is not suited for casual conversation and Ludwig AI suggests simpler alternatives like "even though it is challenging" or "despite the difficulty" for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Even though it is challenging

Highlights the challenge directly, using a more common conjunction.

Despite the difficulty

A more concise way to express the same sentiment, focusing on overcoming the obstacle.

Hard as it may be

Uses a different word order and auxiliary verb for emphasis.

Challenging as it might appear

Adds a nuance of perception versus reality of the challenge.

In spite of the hurdles

Emphasizes the presence of multiple obstacles.

Notwithstanding the complexity

A more formal way of acknowledging the difficulty.

Regardless of the struggle

Highlights the ongoing effort required.

Albeit with difficulty

A more literary and succinct way of expressing the same idea.

Though not without its challenges

Adds a subtle understatement to the difficulty.

Even if it's not easy

A more straightforward and less formal alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult though it is" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult though it is" to acknowledge a challenge before making a statement. For example, "Difficult though it is, we must continue to strive for progress" or "Difficult though it is to admit, he was right all along".

What are some alternatives to "difficult though it is"?

You can use alternatives like "even though it is challenging", "despite the difficulty", or "hard as it may be" depending on the context.

Is "difficult though it is" formal or informal?

"Difficult though it is" leans toward the formal side. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "even if it's hard" or "although it's challenging".

What is the difference between "difficult though it is" and "although it is difficult"?

"Difficult though it is" places emphasis on the difficulty by fronting it. "Although it is difficult" is a more standard and less emphatic way of expressing the same idea.