difficult to describe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to describe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is challenging to articulate or explain clearly. Example: "The beauty of the sunset was so profound that it was difficult to describe in words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's difficult to describe".

The Guardian

"It's difficult to describe the pain.

Independent

"It's very difficult to describe".

The New York Times

"It's really difficult to describe.

The Guardian

P.C.: My "look" is difficult to describe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, it is difficult to describe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Difficult to describe, a delight to read.

The Guardian - Books

A pub is oddly difficult to describe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Anxiety: a panic attack is very difficult to describe.

The Guardian

It's difficult to describe Mendis' confidence and surety.

The Guardian - Sport

It's difficult to describe just how hard they hit us.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to describe", consider adding context about why it's challenging. This helps the reader understand the nature of the difficulty, such as complexity, emotional impact, or abstractness.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to describe" as a filler phrase. If you can't describe something fully, offer at least a partial description or hint at the key elements that make it challenging to articulate. For example, instead of simply saying "The feeling was difficult to describe", you could say "The feeling was difficult to describe, a mix of joy and trepidation that I'd never experienced before".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to describe" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the challenging nature of articulating something. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to express the subjective or complex nature of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to describe" is a versatile phrase used to convey the challenge of articulating complex, abstract, or emotionally charged subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Arts publications. When using "difficult to describe", provide context to enhance understanding and avoid overuse as a filler. Alternatives such as ""hard to put into words"" or ""challenging to articulate"" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to put into words

This alternative emphasizes the lack of suitable vocabulary to articulate something.

challenging to articulate

This phrase focuses on the difficulty in expressing something clearly and effectively.

elusive to define

Highlights the intangible or abstract nature of the subject, making it hard to define.

defies easy explanation

Indicates that the subject is complex and not easily simplified.

words can't fully capture

Emphasizes the inadequacy of language to express the full essence of something.

not easily expressed

A general statement about the difficulty in conveying something.

presents a descriptive challenge

Directly states the difficulty in providing a description.

hard to convey

Focuses on the difficulty in successfully communicating something to others.

beyond simple explanation

Suggests the subject's complexity exceeds basic understanding.

difficult to characterize

Highlights the problem of assigning specific qualities or features to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to describe" to express the challenge of articulating something due to its complexity, emotional depth, or abstract nature. For instance, "The atmosphere at the concert was "difficult to describe", a blend of excitement and anticipation."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to describe"?

Alternatives include "hard to put into words", "challenging to articulate", or "elusive to define", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult to describe" or "hard to describe"?

Both "difficult to describe" and "hard to describe" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Difficult" is generally considered slightly more formal, while "hard" is more informal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What makes something "difficult to describe"?

Something might be "difficult to describe" due to its subjective nature, complexity, emotional impact, or abstractness. For example, a unique sensory experience or a profound emotional state might be challenging to articulate fully.