difficult to discriminate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to discriminate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges in distinguishing between two or more items, concepts, or groups. Example: "In this study, it was found that the differences between the two species were so subtle that they were difficult to discriminate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's very, very difficult to discriminate all those objects when they're really close together.

The New York Times - Science

These circumstances make it difficult to discriminate the intraspecies and interspecies transmission pathways of rabies.

Journal of Clinical Virology

This makes them difficult to discriminate by eye against foam and whitecaps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this study, we also found it difficult to discriminate between ovarian cancer and borderline ovarian tumors.

Nature

Pesticides (and some herbicides) may also be implicated, though this is unproven, and their effects are difficult to discriminate from other factors.

The Guardian

The decoys that were the most difficult to discriminate from warheads in the first two tests were removed from these and all subsequent missile defense development tests.

MIT Technology Review

It is difficult to discriminate between elements of carbon-fibre composites using MicroCT, particularly the region between co-aligned neighbouring tows.

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

The spectral and structural characteristics common to most Eucalyptus trees make them notoriously difficult to discriminate in closed-canopy forests with imaging spectrometry.

Remote Sensing of Environment

Using X-rays, it is difficult to discriminate between elements of the composite, particularly the region between co-aligned neighbouring tows.

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

FeCo/FeCo-SiO2 interface in batches is difficult to discriminate.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It is difficult to discriminate motion of arms in this resolution.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to discriminate", ensure that the context clearly specifies what two or more items are being compared. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to discriminate" without providing specific examples or context. Being too general can reduce the phrase's impact and make your writing less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to discriminate" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing the degree of challenge associated with distinguishing between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to discriminate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to communicate the challenge involved in distinguishing between items or concepts. Predominantly found in scientific and technical contexts, its formal register reflects the precision required in these fields. When employing this phrase, ensure clear contextualization of the compared items to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "hard to differentiate" or "challenging to distinguish" to vary your language. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "difficult to discriminate" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to differentiate

Replaces "difficult" with "hard" and uses "differentiate" instead of "discriminate", offering a more general synonym.

challenging to distinguish

Substitutes "difficult" with "challenging" and "discriminate" with "distinguish", emphasizing the demanding nature of the task.

not easy to discern

Replaces "difficult" with "not easy" and uses "discern" instead of "discriminate", indicating a lack of simplicity in perceiving differences.

tough to differentiate

Uses "tough" instead of "difficult" to convey a sense of rigor or demanding effort when distinguishing.

problematic to distinguish

Indicates that distinguishing between items presents significant issues or difficulties.

hard to tell apart

Emphasizes the lack of clear differences, making it challenging to separate or identify items.

not straightforward to differentiate

Suggests that the process of distinguishing is complex or nuanced, rather than simple or direct.

obscure to distinguish

Implies a lack of clarity, making the task of distinguishing items more hidden or unclear.

subtle differences

Highlights that differences exist but are so slight that distinguishing is challenging.

imperceptible distinctions

Focuses on the minute and unnoticeable variations that make distinguishing between items nearly impossible.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to discriminate" to describe scenarios where distinguishing between two or more things is challenging, such as, "It is difficult to discriminate between the two species due to their similar physical characteristics."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to discriminate"?

Alternatives include "hard to differentiate", "challenging to distinguish", or "not easy to discern", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "discriminate" or "differentiate" in the phrase "difficult to discriminate"?

"Discriminate" and "differentiate" are often interchangeable, but "discriminate" often implies a more careful or precise distinction. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "difficult to discriminate" most commonly used?

This phrase is frequently used in scientific, technical, and analytical contexts where precise distinctions are important. It appears often in fields like biology, medicine, and engineering.