difficult to maneuver

USAGE SUMMARY

'difficult to maneuver' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is hard to move or control. For example, "The truck proved difficult to maneuver in the tight alley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's difficult to maneuver".

The New York Times

One was metal, top-heavy and very difficult to maneuver.

The New York Times

Small mezzalunas are difficult to maneuver, and in some ways seem pointless.

The New York Times - Food

Rudimentary designs and a lack of fins made the boards extremely difficult to maneuver.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A few spaces in back of the restaurant can be difficult to maneuver.

The New York Times

"The urban construction patterns of New York City aggravate the cold air and make it even more difficult to maneuver".

The New York Times

Russian armored personnel carriers and tanks found it difficult to maneuver through Grozny's streets during that conflict.

The New York Times

The saw is lightweight and easy to handle, but the frame can be difficult to maneuver in close quarters.

The New York Times

Unless you are shooting very well from the perimeter, it's difficult to maneuver with the way that they help".

The New York Times

Silver said the league was also swayed by traffic reports that it was extremely difficult to maneuver in Downtown Brooklyn.

The New York Times - Sports

They have criticized the machines for being difficult to maneuver, noting that they are designed to frighten rivals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or situations, use "difficult to maneuver" to indicate challenges in navigating complex systems or processes. For example: "It is difficult to maneuver the current political climate."

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to maneuver" when simpler words like "clumsy" or "awkward" would suffice for describing physical objects or actions. For example, instead of "The small spoon was difficult to maneuver", say "The small spoon was awkward to use."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to maneuver" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the subject is challenging to move or control. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Examples from Ludwig show it describing physical objects like "Russian armored personnel carriers" and abstract concepts like "political climate".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to maneuver" effectively conveys challenges in movement or control, applicable to both physical objects and abstract situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. With its frequent appearances in news, academic, and wiki contexts, its neutrality ensures broad applicability. Remember to choose the best synonym such as "hard to control" to add specificity to your meaning, and avoid using it in overly simple contexts where a simpler word may be better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to control

Focuses on the lack of control rather than the physical act of maneuvering.

challenging to handle

Emphasizes the skill required to manage or operate something.

unwieldy to operate

Highlights the cumbersome nature of the object being maneuvered.

awkward to manipulate

Suggests a lack of grace or ease in handling.

cumbersome to move

Directly addresses the difficulty in physically moving something.

not easily navigable

Implies difficulties in moving through a space or system.

tricky to navigate

Highlights the skill and care needed for movement.

tough to steer

Specifically refers to difficulties in steering or directing.

demands skillful handling

Focuses on the high level of expertise necessary.

presents maneuvering problems

States directly that there are problems when trying to maneuver.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to maneuver" to describe objects, vehicles, or even abstract situations that are challenging to control or move. For example, "The large sofa was "hard to move" through the narrow doorway."

What are some synonyms for "difficult to maneuver"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hard to control", "challenging to handle", or "unwieldy to operate", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "difficult to manoeuvre"?

Yes, "manoeuvre" is the British English spelling of "maneuver". Both "difficult to maneuver" and "difficult to manoeuvre" are grammatically correct, but use the spelling that is appropriate for your audience.

When should I use "difficult to maneuver" instead of "inconvenient"?

"Difficult to maneuver" specifically refers to the challenges in controlling or moving something, while "inconvenient" refers to something causing trouble or discomfort. If something is hard to physically manage, use "difficult to maneuver". If it's simply causing problems, use "inconvenient".