difficult to discuss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to discuss" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic or subject that poses challenges in terms of conversation or explanation. Example: "The implications of the new policy are complex and often difficult to discuss in a straightforward manner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is also one of the most difficult to discuss.

Engineering Documentation Control Handbook Configuration Management in Industry

The perseverance that the Masterton is supposed to represent is more difficult to discuss.

The New Yorker

It's difficult to discuss China's Olympic tradition without stumbling over politics and propaganda.

The New Yorker

One area, difficult to discuss in specific terms, is that of sensory communication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One reason it has been difficult to discuss the codification of L.G.B.T.Q.

The New Yorker

Eliot's criticism and poetry are so interwoven that it is difficult to discuss them separately.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's difficult to discuss South Yemen's problems in Western political terms," one State Department official said.

The New York Times

It's difficult to discuss the country's Olympic tradition without stumbling over politics and propaganda.

The New Yorker

It's difficult to discuss China's Olympic history without stumbling over politics and propaganda.

The New Yorker

Of course, it's difficult to discuss protecting assets from climate change without talking about climate change.

The Guardian

His mother found it difficult to discuss the subject and it was not addressed at his school, either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult to discuss" to introduce complex or controversial issues, signaling to the reader that the topic requires careful consideration and nuanced language.

Common error

Avoid replacing "difficult to discuss" with vague euphemisms that obscure the issue. Clarity and directness are often more effective in serious discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to discuss" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that a particular topic presents challenges in communication. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to discuss" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce sensitive or complex topics. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is versatile across various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. When using this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure the appropriate level of formality and clarity. While generally neutral, being mindful of potential euphemisms and striving for directness can enhance the effectiveness of your communication. Remember to acknowledge the challenges while maintaining a respectful and informative tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to talk about

Emphasizes the emotional or personal challenge in discussing a topic.

challenging to address

Highlights the complexity and effort required to deal with a subject.

sensitive to discuss

Focuses on the delicate nature of the topic and the need for careful handling.

awkward to broach

Suggests that the topic may cause unease or embarrassment when introduced.

uncomfortable to speak of

Indicates a feeling of discomfort or reluctance in talking about something.

delicate subject matter

Highlights the topic's fragility and potential to cause offense or distress.

problematic to delve into

Emphasizes the potential issues or complications that may arise when exploring the topic.

tough to articulate

Highlights the difficulty in expressing the topic clearly and effectively.

complex to unpack

Focuses on the intricate and layered nature of the subject, requiring careful analysis.

not easy to explain

Highlights the topic's inherent complexity and the struggle to convey it simply.

FAQs

What are some situations where it's appropriate to use "difficult to discuss"?

The phrase "difficult to discuss" is suitable when introducing sensitive, complex, or controversial topics. It signals that the subject requires careful handling and nuanced language, such as in discussions about "mental health", politics, or personal trauma.

What can I say instead of "difficult to discuss"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to talk about", "challenging to address", or "sensitive to discuss" depending on the context.

Is "difficult to discuss" formal or informal?

"Difficult to discuss" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "challenging to address" or "complex to unpack" for added sophistication.

How can I use "difficult to discuss" effectively in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to discuss" to introduce a topic that requires careful handling. For example: "The ethical implications of this technology are complex and often "difficult to discuss" in a straightforward manner."