difficult to execute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to execute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task, plan, or action that is challenging to carry out or implement. Example: "The new software update has several features that are difficult to execute without proper training."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The strategy is proving difficult to execute.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's just damn difficult to execute".

The New York Times

"It's extremely difficult to execute," she said.

The New York Times

Some elements of the cleanup shouldn't be difficult to execute.

The New Yorker

"The culture of American medicine makes a study like that more difficult to execute".

The New Yorker

The plan, called Operation Nest Egg, is simple in conception but difficult to execute.

The New York Times

"'Cross-track' is difficult to execute in a 24-hour system," Ms. Senese said.

The New York Times

"The treatment plans can be really difficult to execute," he added.

The New York Times

(Officials said a more dynamic map would be logistically difficult to execute).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Stop fighting, and go all out for economic growth, is the FAO's predictable but difficult-to-execute advice.

The Economist

Managed By Q is a pretty simple, though difficult-to-execute, idea.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to convey that a plan or idea, despite being conceptually sound, faces practical hurdles during implementation.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to execute" in very casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "hard to do" or "tricky" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to execute" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied noun (e.g., a plan, a task), followed by an infinitive indicating purpose or action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

43%

TechCrunch

13%

Less common in

Huffington Post

11%

Wiki

4%

SEP

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to execute" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the challenges in implementing a plan or task. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and professional contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is key: specify what makes the execution difficult. While the phrase is relatively versatile, avoid overuse in very casual situations. Consider using synonyms like "hard to implement" or "challenging to carry out" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to implement

Focuses on the challenges of putting something into effect.

challenging to carry out

Emphasizes the demanding nature of performing a task.

complex to perform

Highlights the intricacy involved in doing something.

tough to accomplish

Stresses the difficulty in reaching a desired outcome.

laborious to realize

Suggests a significant effort is needed to make something a reality.

awkward to implement

Highlights the clumsy or ungraceful nature of putting something into effect.

tricky to achieve

Indicates a need for cleverness or finesse to attain a goal.

complicated to fulfill

Focuses on the intricate nature of meeting a requirement or expectation.

problematic to enact

Highlights the potential issues or obstacles in putting something into action.

unwieldy to operate

Emphasizes the difficulty in managing or controlling something.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to execute" to describe plans, strategies, or tasks that are challenging to implement effectively. For example: "The plan was innovative, but "difficult to execute" due to limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to execute"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hard to implement", "challenging to carry out", or "tricky to achieve". See more alternatives "challenging to carry out" for a comprehensive list.

Is it grammatically correct to say "difficult to be executed"?

While grammatically understandable, "difficult to execute" is more concise and commonly used than "difficult to be executed". The former directly conveys the difficulty in the act of execution.

What makes a plan "difficult to execute"?

A plan might be "difficult to execute" due to various factors, such as lack of resources, technical complexities, logistical challenges, or resistance from stakeholders. The specific reason should be clear from context.