difficult to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'difficult to identify' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing an object, person, or situation that requires a lot of thought or analysis to recognize, such as an enigmatic work of art or a complex system. For example: "The expression on the portrait was so subtle and nuanced that it was difficult to identify the artist's intention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other relics were more difficult to identify.

The New York Times

"It was difficult to identify them".

The Guardian

The turning point in the talks is difficult to identify.

The New York Times

In musical terms, it's difficult to identify Azalea as Australian.

The Guardian - Film

It is difficult to identify any consistent aims.

The Guardian

And it is difficult to identify a clearly defined enemy.

The Guardian

But it's extremely difficult to identify such mothers.

The Washington Post

"It's terribly difficult to identify why," she says.

The Guardian

They found that sarcasm was particularly difficult to identify.

Independent

And it is difficult to identify the accuracy of simulation.

Energy Procedia

It is difficult to identify the mechanical disturbance energy quantitatively.

Cryogenics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to identify", ensure that the context clearly explains why the subject is hard to recognize. Providing specific details or reasons can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to identify" without providing supporting information. Saying something is hard to identify without explaining why can weaken your argument and leave the reader unconvinced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to identify" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig, it correctly describes the characteristic of something being hard to recognize or determine, offering a clear and direct assessment of the situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to identify" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes something challenging to recognize or determine. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, noting its effectiveness in describing situations requiring careful analysis. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral to formal register. For optimal clarity, provide specific reasons why something is hard to identify. Alternatives like "hard to discern" or "challenging to recognize" can be used depending on the specific context, as a summary all the information are fully aligned with the field aiResponseStatus in SEARCH_DATA json.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to discern

Emphasizes the challenge in distinguishing or perceiving something.

tough to pinpoint

Highlights the difficulty in precisely locating or defining something.

challenging to recognize

Focuses on the effort required to identify or acknowledge something.

not easy to determine

Indicates a lack of simplicity in reaching a conclusion or decision.

obscure to detect

Suggests that something is hidden or unclear, making detection difficult.

laborious to ascertain

Implies that significant effort is needed to find something out for certain.

complex to unravel

Highlights the intricate nature of something, making it hard to understand.

problematic to diagnose

Specifically refers to the difficulty in identifying a problem or issue.

elusive to categorize

Suggests the resistance of something to being placed into a specific group.

subtle to distinguish

Emphasizes the slight or understated nature that makes identification difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to identify" to describe something that is hard to recognize or distinguish. For example: "The exact cause of the malfunction was "difficult to identify" due to the complexity of the system".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to identify"?

Alternatives include "hard to discern", "tough to pinpoint", or "challenging to recognize". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Difficult to identify" might sound slightly more formal, while "hard to identify" is more informal. Use the phrase that best suits the tone and audience of your writing.

What makes something "difficult to identify"?

Something might be "difficult to identify" due to various reasons, such as being hidden, complex, subtle, or lacking clear distinguishing features. The specific reasons depend on the context.