difficult to make out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to make out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is hard to see, hear, or understand clearly. Example: "The handwriting on the old letter was so faded that it was difficult to make out the words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Eyes difficult to make out in newsprint.

The New Yorker

It was very difficult to make out details".

The New Yorker

It's very difficult to make out elephants in the dark.

The Guardian

Their small size means the detail and artistry can be difficult to make out and appreciate.

The Economist

It was difficult to make out what had once been human beings.

The New Yorker

It's difficult to make out what's important and what deserves to be forgotten.

The Guardian - Tech

What they say is difficult to make out and everyone struggles to hear.

The Guardian

A haze of theatrical smoke clings to the stage, rendering it difficult to make out choreographic nuances.

The New York Times - Arts

What he said was difficult to make out from across the street, but his gestures were clear.

The New York Times

"It's difficult to make out the difference between real footage and the footage you get from video games".

The Guardian - Tech

The photographs are so small that it is difficult to make out the faces in them, especially those of people who are not in the foreground.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to make out" to describe visual elements, consider adding context about why it's difficult, such as poor lighting, distance, or obstruction.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to make out" when a more precise term like "illegible" (for writing) or "inaudible" (for sound) would be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to make out" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing its quality of being hard to perceive or understand. Ludwig examples show it describing everything from visual details to spoken words. It is deemed correct and usable by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to make out" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that describes something hard to perceive or understand. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for many contexts, and is particularly prevalent in news and media, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, consider the specific reason for the difficulty in perception and whether a more precise term would be more effective. Remember to provide context to help your audience understand why something is challenging to discern. If you're seeking alternative expressions, consider phrases like "hard to discern" or "unclear" to best suit your writing's nuance and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to discern

Focuses on the challenge of distinguishing something from its surroundings or background.

tough to decipher

Highlights the difficulty in interpreting or understanding something complex or coded.

not easily visible

Emphasizes the lack of clear visibility, implying that something is obscured or faint.

unclear

A simpler, more general way of saying that something is not easily understood or perceived.

vague

Indicates a lack of precision or detail, making something hard to define or understand.

obscure

Suggests that something is hidden or not easily discovered, either physically or conceptually.

indistinct

Focuses on the lack of clear definition or boundaries, making something hard to differentiate.

blurred

Implies a lack of sharpness or focus, making something hard to see clearly.

difficult to perceive

Highlights the challenge in becoming aware of something through the senses.

hard to grasp

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding or comprehending a concept or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to make out" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to make out" to describe something that is hard to see, hear, or understand. For example, "The handwriting on the document was so faded that it was difficult to make out the details".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to make out"?

Alternatives include "hard to discern", "unclear", or "obscure", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "difficult to make out" or "hard to make out"?

Both "difficult to make out" and "hard to make out" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When is it appropriate to use "difficult to make out"?

"Difficult to make out" is appropriate when describing something that requires effort or is challenging to perceive or understand due to factors like poor visibility, audibility, or complexity.