difficult to hunt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to hunt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is hard to track down or capture, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The elusive creature was known to be difficult to hunt, making it a challenge for even the most skilled hunters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And those errors can be pretty difficult to hunt down.

Yale University

These were fleet and elusive and, in consequence, much more difficult to hunt and kill.

Britannica

The polar bears of the Arctic, where unusual extremes of temperature have become commonplace, are having to live with reductions in sea ice, which makes it difficult to hunt seals - a phenomenon that, expert say, could lead to their extinction.

The Guardian

Fans who post tickets with resellers listing only the section and row numbers are more difficult to hunt down, but Trost said that stadium security will "flood the area" to try to learn who sold the ticket.

The New York Times - Sports

Native Alaskans, who rely on ice-dwelling seals for food, are finding it more difficult to hunt, said Gunter Weller, a climatologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, who is participating in the project.

The New York Times

It was extremely difficult to hunt on such a terrain.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Not all companies can take such precise aim, but Sean Jefferson, chief executive of MindShare Performance, WPP's sport and entertainment consultancy, says it is "a very efficient way of reaching upmarket men", a group marketers consider difficult and expensive to hunt down.

The Economist

The following sections examine the plant used by hunters in a holistic manner, however, it is difficult to judge hunting success.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Today therefore, in the larger communities it has become increasingly difficult to share hunted foods in an effective manner on a community-wide basis.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Without that hard ice, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to hunt for seals, a mainstay of the traditional diet.

The New York Times - Science

Toxins from the algae mangle a key memory center, likely making it difficult for sick animals to hunt or navigate effectively, Cook and his colleagues report today.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, consider using "difficult to hunt" to illustrate the challenge of identifying or achieving them. For example, "breakthrough solutions are often difficult to hunt in a complex environment".

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to hunt" when simpler alternatives like "hard to find" or "challenging" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Instead, opt for simpler wording for common situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to hunt" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the characteristic of being hard to find or capture. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, both literal and figurative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to hunt" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something challenging to find or capture. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and the phrase appears across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific sources. While "difficult to hunt" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's important to ensure it aligns with the context, with simpler alternatives available for everyday situations. When used thoughtfully, the phrase effectively conveys the demanding nature of a search or pursuit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenge to hunt

Rephrases the difficulty as a challenge.

hard to find

Focuses on the difficulty of locating something.

challenging to locate

Emphasizes the challenging aspect of finding something.

not easy to find

A simple rephrasing of the original phrase.

elusive to catch

Highlights the evasive nature of something being sought.

hard to track down

Focuses on the difficulty in following or tracing something's path.

difficult to capture

Emphasizes the struggle in taking something into possession.

requires skill to hunt

Highlights the skill needed to hunt something.

taxing to pursue

Highlights the demanding nature of the chase.

tricky to ensnare

Focuses on the cunning required to trap something.

FAQs

What does "difficult to hunt" mean?

The phrase "difficult to hunt" describes something that is challenging to find, capture, or obtain. It implies that significant effort or skill is needed to achieve the desired outcome.

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

You can use alternatives like "hard to find", "challenging to locate", or "elusive to catch" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "difficult to hunt" in formal writing?

Yes, "difficult to hunt" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the challenging nature of finding or obtaining something. However, consider the context and audience, as simpler alternatives might be more suitable in some cases.

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

You can use "difficult to hunt" to describe both literal and metaphorical scenarios. For example, "The rare species is very difficult to hunt in this dense forest" or "Effective solutions are often difficult to hunt in complex situations".