difficult to comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to comprehend" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is hard to understand or make sense of. Example: The mathematical concept was difficult to comprehend, even for the most advanced students in the class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Somehow, that fact was difficult to comprehend.

The New Yorker

"It's difficult to comprehend," Primeau said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Dormer said the killings were "very difficult to comprehend".

The New York Times

The size of the plane is difficult to comprehend.

The New York Times - Science

More difficult to comprehend is the striking array of colours on the hidden surfaces of frogs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"What did formerly seem to me difficult to comprehend, was now become of an easy solution".

The New Yorker

What was difficult to comprehend about Ronnie was that everything was fake.

The New Yorker

My parents had found the call-waiting as difficult to comprehend as the A.T.M.

The New Yorker

Even then this moment will be difficult to comprehend: the Butler Bulldogs in the Final Four.

The New York Times

"It's difficult to comprehend how they can have reached this decision".

The Guardian

"It is difficult to comprehend why it is not possible at this stage of the playoffs".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or complex situations, use "difficult to comprehend" to emphasize the intellectual challenge involved. For example: "The implications of quantum physics are often difficult to comprehend."

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to comprehend" when simpler alternatives like "hard to understand" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious. Choose the most appropriate language for your audience and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to comprehend" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is not easily understood or grasped mentally. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to comprehend" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that expresses a challenge in understanding something. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing, albeit with a slightly formal tone. When you want to convey that a specific issue can be challenging to wrap your head around, this is the perfect phrase for the job. Remember, it is more sophisticated compared to "hard to understand" and should be used accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomprehensible

A single word expressing the complete lack of understandability.

hard to understand

Replaces "comprehend" with the more common "understand", making it slightly less formal.

challenging to grasp

Uses "grasp" instead of "comprehend", implying a need to actively seize understanding.

tough to fathom

Employs "fathom", suggesting a deeper level of understanding is required.

not easily understood

Rephrases the difficulty using a passive construction.

beyond my understanding

Indicates a personal limit to comprehension.

elusive to understanding

Suggests that the concept actively avoids being understood.

obscure to the mind

Implies that the concept is hidden or unclear.

abstruse

A single word indicating that the concept is complex and esoteric.

knotty to unravel

Uses a metaphor of untangling a knot to represent understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to comprehend" to describe something that is hard to understand. For example: "The sheer scale of the universe is often difficult to comprehend." Or: "His explanation was so convoluted that it was difficult to comprehend what he was trying to say."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to comprehend"?

Some alternatives include "hard to understand", "challenging to grasp", "tough to fathom", or simply "incomprehensible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult to comprehend" or "hard to understand"?

"Difficult to comprehend" and "hard to understand" are largely interchangeable, but "difficult to comprehend" is often perceived as more formal. Choose the option that best suits the tone and audience of your writing.

What makes something "difficult to comprehend"?

Something might be "difficult to comprehend" due to its complexity, abstract nature, lack of clarity, or unfamiliarity. It suggests that understanding requires significant mental effort or specialized knowledge.