difficult to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to continue" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something is hard to progress and move forward. For example, "The task was difficult to continue, so I ended up giving up".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is difficult to continue with Sir Max there".

The Economist

It was concluded that it would be difficult to continue.

The Guardian - Sport

"That made it a little difficult to continue," she said.

The New York Times

It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict.

The Guardian

The first time Blue went into surgery, visibility became too difficult to continue with the procedure.

Cornell University

It became increasingly difficult to continue with the same strategy when results soured at the retailer.

The New York Times

It was difficult to continue with competing but I tried to carry on".

The Guardian

"We decided that it is difficult to continue our relationship with Ford any longer," he said.

The New York Times

But it may be difficult to continue that hands-off policy much longer.

The New York Times

As a company grows and becomes successful, management often finds it difficult to continue to do innovative or entrepreneurial things.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The recriminations over the Iraq war also meant it would have been hugely difficult to continue as shadow Foreign Secretary.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult to continue" to clearly express that an action, process, or state is facing significant challenges that impede its progression. Ensure the context provides clear insight into the nature and source of the difficulty.

Common error

Do not use "difficult to continue" without specifying what is difficult to continue and why. Vague statements lack clarity and reduce the phrase's impact. Be specific about the subject and the reasons behind the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to continue" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied or stated activity. It indicates that the activity faces significant obstacles preventing its smooth progression. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing its versatile usage across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to continue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey challenges in progressing or sustaining an activity or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, as supported by numerous examples from various reputable sources. It's crucial to use the phrase with specificity, clearly indicating what faces difficulty and the reasons why. While "difficult to continue" is suitable for formal contexts, understanding its nuances helps in choosing more precise alternatives when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to proceed

Emphasizes the challenge in moving forward with something.

challenging to sustain

Highlights the difficulty in maintaining something over time.

tough to keep going

Focuses on the effort required to maintain momentum.

complicated to maintain

Suggests that the process of continuing is complex and intricate.

increasingly problematic to pursue

Indicates that pursuing something is becoming more troublesome.

becoming unsustainable

Implies that something cannot be maintained in the long term.

facing obstacles to continuation

Highlights the presence of barriers preventing further progress.

finding it arduous to persist

Emphasizes the strenuous effort required to continue.

struggling to proceed further

Highlights the difficulty in making additional advancement.

encountering impediments to sustainment

Indicates that the process of maintainance is meeting barriers.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "difficult to continue"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to proceed", "challenging to sustain", or "tough to keep going" depending on the context.

What does "difficult to continue" imply?

The phrase "difficult to continue" implies that there are significant obstacles or challenges that make it hard to proceed with something. This could be due to various factors, such as lack of resources, technical issues, or declining interest.

Is it better to use "difficult to continue" or "impossible to continue"?

The choice depends on the severity of the situation. "Difficult to continue" suggests challenges that can potentially be overcome, while "impossible to continue" indicates that there is no way to proceed.

Can "difficult to continue" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "difficult to continue" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to express challenges in a professional or academic context. Just ensure it fits the overall tone and style of your writing.