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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
difficult to be found
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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.
Science
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.
Science
Small lymph nodes are difficult to be found, especially amid large amount of mesenteric fat.
Science
Thus, their dead bodies should be difficult to be found by their neighbourhoods or friends.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
I find it difficult to be away.
News & Media
What are difficult to find are systematic discussions by mathematicians of the notion of style.
Science
Articling positions can be difficult to find, and are not guaranteed.
Academia
It is difficult to find anyone who is confident the proposal will help them.
News & Media
Now it is difficult to find anyone who is not aware of the menace.
News & Media
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".
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.
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".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
hard to locate
Focuses on the act of physically finding something.
challenging to discover
Emphasizes the effort required in the process of discovery.
not easily detected
Highlights the subtlety or obscurity making detection problematic.
elusive to find
Implies that something avoids being found.
rarely encountered
Stresses the infrequency of finding something.
difficult to track down
Implies persistence is needed to find it.
obscure and hard to find
Combination of two qualities that makes locating harder.
virtually undetectable
Highlights extreme difficulty of the task.
not apparent
Emphasizes the lack of obviousness.
hidden from view
Focuses on something being concealed.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested