difficult to drive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to drive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vehicle or situation that presents challenges while driving. Example: "The new sports car is incredibly fast, but it's also difficult to drive in heavy traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They made it difficult to drive".

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, the ministers were, for the most part, quarrelsome and difficult to drive as a team.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's very difficult to drive yourself literally without money," Carballo said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Personally, I find it difficult to drive by it and see it abandoned.

The New York Times

These trucks can be difficult to drive, particularly for the average beaker in these parts.

The New York Times

"It's very difficult to drive top-line growth in a promotional environment," Mr. Hood added.

The New York Times

Loomis said the problem also made the car more difficult to drive through the turns.

The New York Times - Sports

Then discuss: Besides fog, what other conditions make it difficult to drive?

The New York Times

It's also – and this is the really tricky bit – about making it more difficult to drive.

The Guardian

A radio conversation that was broadcast caught the driver complaining of his chassis bottoming and being difficult to drive.

Independent

Such infrastructure incompatibility makes it difficult to drive an electric car from Paris to Berlin, relying on public charging points.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing driving conditions, be specific about what makes it "difficult to drive". Is it the weather, the road conditions, or the vehicle itself?

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "difficult to drive" without providing context. Explain why, such as poor visibility or mechanical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to drive" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often a vehicle or a situation). It describes the characteristic of being challenging or problematic to operate a vehicle. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to drive" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a vehicle or situation that presents challenges for drivers. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations. When using this phrase, specificity is key; explain why something is "difficult to drive" rather than simply stating the fact. Alternatives like "hard to handle" or "challenging to operate" can add nuance depending on the specific driving conditions. Understanding the appropriate register and providing context will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not easy to drive

A simpler, more direct way of saying "difficult to drive".

hard to handle

Focuses on the handling aspect of driving, implying control issues.

challenging to operate

Emphasizes the skill and effort needed to control the vehicle.

tough to maneuver

Highlights the difficulty in navigating or directing the vehicle.

awkward to drive

Suggests clumsiness or lack of smoothness in the driving experience.

unwieldy to control

Suggests the vehicle is bulky or awkward to manage.

tricky to navigate

Focuses on the navigational aspects of driving.

requires skill to drive

Highlights the driver's expertise needed.

presents driving challenges

More formal and general, indicating obstacles in driving.

demands precision driving

Focuses on need for accurate and controlled movements.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "difficult to drive"?

It means that the vehicle or the driving conditions present challenges that require extra skill, attention, or effort from the driver.

What are some synonyms for "difficult to drive"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to handle", "challenging to operate", or "tricky to navigate" depending on the specific context.

How can I make my writing more specific when using the phrase "difficult to drive"?

Instead of just saying something is "difficult to drive", explain why. For example, "The car was difficult to drive because of the icy road conditions" or "The vintage car is difficult to drive because it lacks power steering".

Is it grammatically correct to say "difficult to drive"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and a common way to describe something that presents challenges while driving, as confirmed by Ludwig.