difficult to grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to grasp" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to indicate that something is complicated or not easily understood. For example, "The professor's lectures on quantum physics were difficult to grasp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His points were difficult to grasp.

The New York Times

Even as it stands, the concept is difficult to grasp.

The Guardian

Many adults themselves find it difficult to grasp.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's difficult to grasp precisely what Lesser means.

The New York Times - Books

This is such an enormous amount of money, it's difficult to grasp.

The New York Times

"Love" Was up for a season, followed by "Illness," Concepts difficult to grasp.

The New Yorker

The concept that space can have a quality other than emptiness is difficult to grasp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Keep the title short and memorable, rather than wordy and difficult to grasp.

WikiHow

As Barratt recognises: "Some people find the concept of asexuality incredibly difficult to grasp.

Independent

It was difficult to grasp what was occurring in front of the eyes.

Independent

"Art is inefficient, hard to find and often difficult to grasp," she says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult to grasp" when you want to convey that something is complex or abstract, requiring significant effort to understand. For instance, "The nuances of international trade law are often difficult to grasp."

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to grasp" when simpler phrases like "hard to understand" or "complex" would suffice. Overusing the phrase in straightforward situations can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to grasp" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is not easily understood. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing abstract concepts, complex systems, or subtle nuances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to grasp" is a versatile phrase used to describe concepts or ideas that are not easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While it is generally acceptable, it's best suited for situations where genuine complexity is involved; otherwise, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase is frequently used in News & Media and Scientific domains. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to understand

Focuses more on the general challenge of understanding, rather than the specific action of grasping a concept.

challenging to comprehend

Emphasizes the mental effort required for understanding.

not easily understood

Highlights the lack of ease in understanding something.

tough to figure out

More informal, suggesting a problem-solving approach to understanding.

obscure

Implies something is vague or unclear, making it difficult to understand.

beyond my comprehension

Indicates something is impossible for someone to understand with their current knowledge or abilities.

impenetrable

Suggests something is impossible to get through or understand.

murky

Implies a lack of clarity, making something hard to see or understand.

arcane

Suggests something is understood by few; esoteric or mysterious.

inscrutable

Implies something cannot be understood through scrutiny.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to grasp" to describe concepts or information that are challenging to understand. For example, "The theoretical physics concepts were "difficult to grasp" without a strong mathematical background."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to grasp"?

Some alternatives include "hard to understand", "challenging to comprehend", or "not easily understood". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "difficult to grasp" and "hard to grasp" are acceptable, but "difficult" may sound slightly more formal. The choice often depends on the overall tone of your writing.

When is it inappropriate to use "difficult to grasp"?

Avoid using "difficult to grasp" in very simple or straightforward contexts where the complexity of the phrase might seem excessive. Simpler alternatives are better when the idea isn't particularly complex.