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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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difficult to be found

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "difficult to be found" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something difficult to locate, track down or identify. For example: "The treasure was said to be hidden in a cave, but with no map to follow, it proved to be very difficult to be found."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Other times, the huge volume of available data makes useful information difficult to be found.

It thus seems that an analytical, closed-form expression for the optimal parameters is difficult to be found.

Since the RT Mn2+ luminescence is very difficult to be found in the transition-metal concentrated materials like MnF2[27], the Ce3+-Mn2+ energy transfer offers an efficient route for obtaining Mn2+ RT luminescence in nanomaterials.

According to SEM observations, the yield of Y-shaped CNFs versus other morphologies was estimated to be less than 1% because the Y-shaped CNFs were not difficult to be found during SEM observations.

Small lymph nodes are difficult to be found, especially amid large amount of mesenteric fat.

Science

BMC Cancer

Thus, their dead bodies should be difficult to be found by their neighbourhoods or friends.

Science

BMJ Open
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I find it difficult to be away.

News & Media

The Guardian

What are difficult to find are systematic discussions by mathematicians of the notion of style.

Science

SEP

Articling positions can be difficult to find, and are not guaranteed.

It is difficult to find anyone who is confident the proposal will help them.

News & Media

The New York Times

Now it is difficult to find anyone who is not aware of the menace.

News & Media

The Guardian
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to be found", ensure the context clearly establishes what is doing the finding. For instance, specify the searcher, the method, or the conditions under which the finding occurs.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to be found" excessively in passive voice constructions, as it can make your writing sound wordy. Consider active voice alternatives that are more direct and engaging, such as "hard to locate" or "challenging to discover".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to be found" functions as an adjective phrase describing the characteristic of something that presents challenges in its localization or discovery. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, although alternatives may offer more directness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to be found" accurately describes something that is hard to locate or discover. Ludwig AI suggests it is usable in writing, however, more concise alternatives like "difficult to find" are often preferred. It sees usage across scientific, news, and more formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies what or who is doing the finding. While grammatically sound, be mindful of overuse in passive constructions to maintain clarity and conciseness in your writing. Other options could be: "hard to locate", "challenging to discover" or "elusive to find".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "difficult to be found" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "challenging to discover", "hard to locate", or "elusive to find" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some common situations where "difficult to be found" is used?

"Difficult to be found" is often used when discussing data that is hard to access, missing persons, rare artifacts, or subtle scientific phenomena. The specific application depends on the context of the discussion.

Is there a difference between "difficult to find" and "difficult to be found"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "difficult to find" is generally more concise and preferred. "Difficult to be found" is grammatically correct but can sometimes sound more passive or less direct. It's more common to use "difficult to find".

Which phrase is more appropriate: "difficult to be found" or "hard to find"?

"Hard to find" is generally considered more informal and direct. "Difficult to be found" is grammatically correct but slightly more formal and can be replaced with "challenging to discover" or another variation for increased clarity.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: