difficult to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'difficult to know' is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not easily understood or determined. For example, "It is difficult to know how this decision will impact the business long-term."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Difficult to know.

Independent

It's difficult to know".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's very difficult to know".

The New York Times

Difficult to know precisely what.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's difficult to know for sure.

The New York Times - Arts

I find it very difficult to know.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's difficult to know any more.

The Guardian - Sport

It is difficult to know now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's difficult to know what to ask a rapper.

The New York Times

"It's difficult to know what's going on".

The New York Times

"It's so difficult to know.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to know", ensure the context clearly indicates what information is uncertain or challenging to ascertain. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

While "difficult to know" is widely acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "uncertain", "undetermined", or "unascertainable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to know" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied noun (something) or pronoun (it), followed by an infinitive verb construction. It serves to express uncertainty or a lack of definitive knowledge about a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to know" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various domains. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to use more precise vocabulary in highly formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure your sentence clearly indicates the subject of uncertainty to avoid ambiguity. Consider replacing it with alternatives like "hard to determine" or "uncertain" to suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to determine

Replaces "difficult" with "hard" and "know" with "determine", maintaining a similar level of formality.

not easy to ascertain

Emphasizes the challenge in finding out something, using more formal vocabulary.

it's uncertain

Conveys the idea of doubt or unpredictability in a concise manner.

it remains unclear

Highlights the lack of clarity or resolution regarding a particular issue.

difficult to figure out

Uses a more informal expression for understanding or solving something.

hard to make out

Suggests the challenge of discerning something due to its vagueness or obscurity.

not readily apparent

Indicates that something is not immediately obvious or noticeable.

the answer is elusive

Expresses the difficulty in obtaining a definite answer or solution.

it's a mystery

Implies a sense of intrigue or bewilderment surrounding a particular situation.

challenging to comprehend

Highlights the intellectual effort required to understand something.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to know" to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge about something. For instance, "It is difficult to know how the new policy will affect employee morale."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to know"?

Alternatives include "hard to determine", "uncertain", or "unclear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "difficult to know"?

Yes, "difficult to know" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment.

When is it better to use "difficult to know" versus "hard to know"?

While both are acceptable, "difficult to know" may sound slightly more formal than "hard to know". The choice often depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.