difficult to absorb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to absorb" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing information, concepts, or experiences that are hard to understand or take in. For example: "The lecture was filled with complex theories that were difficult to absorb." Alternative expressions include "hard to grasp" and "challenging to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She found it difficult to absorb food.

The New York Times - Sports

Also, displaced population may find difficult to absorb such norms.

Princeton University

It's very difficult to absorb, so writing off the 3p rise will help.

The Guardian - Money

It is difficult to absorb fully the history of cosmological exploration in a series of panels.

The New York Times - Arts

Supplements also can help people with Crohn's disease or celiac disease, conditions that make it difficult to absorb certain nutrients.

Harvard University

The counterintuitive nature of Einstein's ideas makes them difficult to absorb and gives rise to situations that seem unfathomable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A country of emigrants has rather quickly turned into one of immigrants, some of whom may prove difficult to absorb.

The Economist

Russia is just too big and too different, they say, and would be too difficult to absorb.

The Economist

England's defeat was easy enough to explain if difficult to absorb in a country that considers soccer a rough equivalent to breathing.

The New York Times - Sports

I find that very difficult to absorb — it's very difficult to imagine that we've come to a stage where that is being discussed.

The New Yorker

Even children who find the details of Sessions' life difficult to absorb are likely to be enchanted by the book's appearance.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to absorb" to describe information, consider adding context about why it's difficult. Is it the complexity, the emotional weight, or the sheer volume of data? Providing that context enhances clarity.

Common error

While "difficult to absorb" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing where more precise alternatives like "challenging to comprehend" or "resistant to assimilation" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to absorb" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that presents a challenge in understanding or processing. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to absorb" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something challenging to understand or process. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and general writing, more precise synonyms might be preferred in highly formal or technical settings. When using this phrase, consider providing context about why something is difficult to absorb to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to grasp

Focuses on the intellectual challenge of understanding something.

challenging to comprehend

Highlights the difficulty in understanding complex information.

tough to process

Emphasizes the mental effort required to deal with information or events.

not easily understood

A more direct and straightforward way of saying something is difficult to understand.

heavy to take in

Suggests that the information is emotionally or mentally burdensome.

demanding to assimilate

Highlights the effort required to incorporate new information.

taxing to digest

Implies that the information is complex and requires considerable mental effort.

knotty to unravel

Emphasizes the convoluted and complex nature of the information.

opaque to understanding

Suggests that the information is unclear and hard to see through.

impervious to comprehension

Highlights the resistance of the information to being understood.

FAQs

What does "difficult to absorb" mean?

The phrase "difficult to absorb" means something is challenging to understand, accept, or process, whether it's information, a concept, or an experience.

How can I use "difficult to absorb" in a sentence?

You might say, "The sheer volume of data was "difficult to absorb" in a single sitting" or "The news of the layoffs was "difficult to absorb", especially for those with long tenures."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to absorb"?

Alternatives include "hard to grasp", "challenging to comprehend", or "tough to process", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "difficult to absorb" formal or informal?

"Difficult to absorb" falls in a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or academic writing, more precise synonyms might be preferred.