difficult to manage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to manage" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when describing something challenging or complex. For example: "The budget process was difficult to manage due to the sheer number of variables to consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Water is fiendishly difficult to manage.

The Economist

Trailing endnotes are difficult to manage.

The New Yorker

It's very difficult to manage".

The New York Times

They are more difficult to manage.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is extremely intoxicated, and becomes increasingly difficult to manage.

The New Yorker

He stopped speaking and became increasingly difficult to manage.

The New York Times

Its legacy is historically impressive but sometimes difficult to manage.

The Economist

But the tritium is proving difficult to manage.

The New York Times

This also made it more difficult to manage inventory.

The New York Times

That will make future crises more difficult to manage.

The Economist

They're difficult to manage, difficult to get along with.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to manage", ensure the context clearly indicates what is creating the difficulty. Be specific about the factors that make something challenging to handle, such as complexity, scale, or unpredictability.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to manage" without specifying what aspect is challenging. Instead of saying "The project was difficult to manage", specify "The project's budget was difficult to manage due to unforeseen expenses."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to manage" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing something that presents challenges in terms of control, handling, or administration. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it qualifies various nouns, such as 'water', 'trailing endnotes', 'projects', showing its versatile adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to manage" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes something challenging to control or handle. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adjective phrase and serves to highlight complexities or potential problems. It is suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific writing, maintaining a neutral register. To use the phrase effectively, ensure you specify what makes something difficult to manage, avoiding overgeneralization. For variety, consider alternatives such as "hard to handle" or "challenging to oversee". With its widespread applicability and clear meaning, "difficult to manage" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to handle

Emphasizes the effort and control required, focusing on the active management aspect.

challenging to oversee

Focuses on the supervision and direction aspect, suggesting a need for skill and attention.

complex to administer

Highlights the intricate nature of the task, suggesting a need for organized and systematic approach.

problematic to control

Indicates potential issues and the need for careful regulation and command.

unwieldy to operate

Implies a lack of ease and efficiency, suggesting a cumbersome process.

cumbersome to maintain

Highlights the burden and effort associated with upkeep and preservation.

tricky to navigate

Focuses on the need for careful maneuvering and strategic decision-making.

delicate to orchestrate

Suggests the need for finesse and careful coordination to achieve a desired outcome.

taxing to coordinate

Emphasizes the demanding and exhausting nature of the coordination process.

onerous to execute

Highlights the burdensome and laborious nature of the implementation process.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to manage" to describe something that requires significant effort or skill to control or handle effectively. For example, "The patient's condition became "increasingly difficult to manage"" or "Large datasets can be "difficult to manage" without proper tools".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to manage"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hard to handle", "challenging to oversee", or "complex to administer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "difficult to manage" and "hard to manage" are acceptable. "Difficult" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the choice often depends on personal preference and the context of your writing.

What makes something "difficult to manage"?

Factors that make something "difficult to manage" can include complexity, unpredictability, scale, lack of resources, or conflicting priorities. The specific reasons will vary depending on the situation.