difficult to apprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to apprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is hard to comprehend or understand. For example, "The professor's lecture on quantum mechanics was difficult to apprehend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Or merely more difficult to apprehend?

The New Yorker

The reasons for Twitch's success are difficult to apprehend.

The New Yorker

Of all the show's objects the most difficult to apprehend is the one you can't see, or know, at all.

The New York Times - Arts

The behavior of composite laminates subject to notch based stress concentrations is difficult to apprehend, especially the mechanisms of damage progression leading to total failure.

Composite Structures

The sale of body armor is closely regulated in many countries, to prevent criminals, terrorists, and other undesirables from making themselves more difficult to apprehend, like Ned Kelly.

The New Yorker

The measures of citation patterns in that collection will be used to shed light on phenomenons which have been difficult to apprehend in the past.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Public pain remains a difficult disease to apprehend because of the anatomic complexity of the pubic region and the frequent combination of several pathological conditions.

Journal de Traumatologie du Sport

Though it remains difficult now to apprehend just how embattled they felt – what outliers they were in the English art world of the 1930s – this is a valuable attempt to relive what Chambers calls "an important moment" for Nash, "staking out a place for modernist art in an unsympathetic environment".

The Guardian - Arts

"We have invited her to meet us so we can address her complaints". Lorraine Thomas, founder of the Lowe Syndrome Trust, said: "There is so much involved with Lowe Syndrome it's difficult for anyone to apprehend it straight away.

BBC

Ontologies are complex systems of axioms in which unanticipated consequences of changes are both frequent, and difficult for ontology authors to apprehend.

Journal of Web Semantics

They allow us to come at problems from a new angle, to see things with fresh eyes, to apprehend the difficult in a way that is essential.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to apprehend", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the difficulty in understanding. For example, specify whether it's due to complexity, obscurity, or lack of information.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to apprehend" in situations where simpler terms like "hard to understand" or "unclear" would suffice. Using more straightforward language can enhance clarity for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to apprehend" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that is challenging to understand or grasp. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in describing complex concepts and situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to apprehend" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is hard to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the provided examples show its use across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "hard to understand" or "challenging to comprehend" exist, "difficult to apprehend" carries a slightly more formal tone. When using it, ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the difficulty. Avoid overuse in simple contexts where more direct language would suffice. As the linguistic analysis reveals, its formality makes it particularly suited for academic and professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to understand

Focuses on the challenge of understanding something.

challenging to comprehend

Emphasizes the difficulty in grasping the meaning.

not easily grasped

Highlights the lack of ease in understanding.

tough to fathom

Stresses the complexity of understanding something.

obscure to perceive

Indicates that something is not clear or obvious.

elusive to grasp

Emphasizes the subtlety and difficulty in understanding.

complex to discern

Highlights the intricate nature of something needing understanding.

abstruse to comprehend

Uses a more formal tone to indicate something is hard to understand.

impenetrable to understanding

Indicates that something cannot be understood.

beyond comprehension

Suggests something is impossible to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to apprehend" to describe concepts or situations that are not easily understood. For example, "The abstract nature of the theory made it "difficult to apprehend"".

What can I say instead of "difficult to apprehend"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to understand", "challenging to comprehend", or "not easily grasped" depending on the context.

Is "difficult to apprehend" formal or informal?

"Difficult to apprehend" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What makes something "difficult to apprehend"?

Something can be "difficult to apprehend" due to its complexity, obscurity, abstract nature, or lack of accessible information. The phrase emphasizes the cognitive effort required for understanding.