difficult to master

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to master" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a skill, concept, or subject that requires significant effort and practice to achieve proficiency. Example: "Learning to play the violin can be quite challenging, as it is difficult to master the various techniques involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The principles are not that difficult to master.

The New York Times

But those svelte swivels can be difficult to master.

The New York Times

Despite her southern heritage, the Mancunian lilt didn't prove too difficult to master.

The Guardian

Most difficult to master is the most common use of all, for the frozen cocktail.

The New York Times

The torturers' trade is difficult to master and terribly under-appreciated.

The Guardian

"Destruction is as difficult to master as innovation," the authors write.

The New York Times

And English verb forms, like past participles, gerunds and infinitives, can be difficult to master, since Chinese verbs are unchanging.

The New York Times

The most plausible contender, Mandarin Chinese, is one of the world's most difficult to master, and least computer-friendly.

The Economist

and, by extension, vocalizes, or exercises sung to a single vowel, often florid and difficult to master.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most of these skills are not difficult to master, they just need "practice, practice, practice", according to Steve.

The Guardian

Adults who have heard and pronounced only English are more apt to find a foreign language difficult to master.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to master", clarify what specific aspects make it challenging, providing context for the reader. For instance, "While the software is user-friendly, advanced features are "difficult to master" without proper training".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty. Instead of saying something is "impossible to master", which could deter learners, opt for "difficult to master", implying that proficiency is achievable with effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to master" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing something that requires considerable effort to achieve proficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

TechCrunch

11%

Less common in

Huffington Post

8%

The New York Times

6%

The Guardian

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to master" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe skills, concepts, or subjects requiring substantial effort and practice. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile, appearing across diverse contexts from news and media to scientific publications. Alternatives include "hard to master" or "challenging to master". When using the phrase, be specific about what aspects contribute to the difficulty, and avoid exaggeration to maintain credibility. Remember, consistency and context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to master

Direct synonym, replacing "difficult" with "hard".

challenging to master

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the task.

complex to master

Focuses on the intricacy of the subject, implying difficulty.

tough to master

Similar to "hard", but can also imply resilience is needed.

not easy to master

Expresses the same idea using a negation.

requires considerable practice

Highlights the need for extensive practice due to the difficulty.

demands expertise

Suggests a high level of skill is needed.

presents a steep learning curve

Emphasizes the significant effort needed to progress.

is an uphill battle

Metaphorically describes the mastering process as arduous.

calls for mastery

Highlights the necessity of achieving a high level of skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to master" to describe skills or concepts that require dedication and practice to fully understand. For example, "Quantum physics is "difficult to master", requiring a strong foundation in mathematics".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to master"?

Alternatives include "hard to master", "challenging to master", or "complex to master", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

"Difficult to master" and "hard to master" are largely interchangeable. "Difficult" may sound slightly more formal, but both are correct and widely understood.

What does it mean when something is described as "easy to learn, difficult to master"?

This phrase, often used in the context of games or skills, means that the basics are simple to grasp, but achieving a high level of proficiency requires significant effort and practice.