difficult to install

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to install" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a product, software, or system that requires significant effort or expertise to set up. Example: "The new software is powerful, but it is quite difficult to install without proper guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others were difficult to install and required extensive maintenance.

The New York Times

Timber piles are cheap but difficult to install in hard soil.

Pile Design and Construction Rules of Thumb

Pin piles are needed when large diameter piles are difficult to install.

Geotechnical Engineering Calculations and Rules of Thumb

In addition, essential devices are often difficult to install, complicated to use, and expensive to maintain.

The Guardian

It is also difficult to install and use in current versions of Windows.

Yale University

This means Atomic CSS, which manages your templates with Node, would be very difficult to install.

The Guardian

But Linux has always had a reputation of being difficult to install and daunting to use.

The New York Times - Tech

This system is suitable for pipeline grids and waterworks where it is difficult to install appropriate devices for the purposes.

Measurement

Also, he added, it would have been "much more difficult to install because the legs would have floated around".

The New York Times - Arts

They are therefore difficult to install and subject to such constant chafing and movement as to require substantial maintenance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

May be difficult to install for plumbers and electricians who have little or no experience working with them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product, software, or system, specify why it's "difficult to install". Provide concrete details about the challenges users might face.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "difficult to install" without further explanation. Describe the specific steps or requirements that make the installation challenging to provide helpful context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to install" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the characteristic of something being challenging to set up. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase acts as a descriptor, informing the reader about the level of effort required for installation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to install" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that presents challenges during the installation process. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts from news and media to scientific publications and wikis. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific details about why the installation is challenging. Alternatives like "hard to set up" or "challenging to install" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively communicate the ease or complexity of an installation process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to set up

Replaces "install" with "set up", focusing on the initial configuration process. It implies some effort required.

challenging to install

Substitutes "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the level of effort and expertise needed for installation.

complex to install

Replaces "difficult" with "complex", indicating the intricate nature of the installation process.

not easy to install

Uses a negative construction to convey difficulty, implying that the installation requires extra effort or skills.

requires complex installation

Shifts the focus to the complexity of the installation process, indicating specialized knowledge or tools may be necessary.

installation is cumbersome

Replaces the whole phrase, indicating the installation is slow and difficult.

poses installation challenges

Indicates that there are obstacles and problems with the installation.

installation is not straightforward

Highlights the non-obvious or complicated nature of the installation process.

complicated setup process

Emphasizes the difficulty of the setup by focusing on the complexity of the process involved in the setup.

installation demands expertise

Emphasizes the level of specialized knowledge or skill required for the installation.

FAQs

What does "difficult to install" mean?

It means something requires significant effort, skill, or time to set up properly. It suggests the installation process is not straightforward or easy for the average user.

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

You can use alternatives like "hard to set up", "challenging to install", or "complex to install" depending on the specific context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Difficult to install" might sound slightly more formal, while "hard to install" is more informal and conversational.

What makes something "difficult to install"?

Reasons can vary, including complex instructions, specialized tools required, compatibility issues, or the need for technical expertise. It often implies the process is not intuitive or user-friendly.