difficult to play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a piece of music, a game, or any activity that requires skill and is challenging to perform. Example: "The piano sonata is beautiful, but it's quite difficult to play for beginners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's very difficult to play against".

Independent

"It's difficult to play against him.

The New York Times

"It's always difficult to play against Chelsea.

Independent

It's difficult to play plainly for money.

The New York Times

"He's always been extremely difficult to play.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is incredibly difficult to play there.

The New York Times - Sports

They are always difficult to play".

The Guardian - Sport

"The piece is incredibly difficult to play.

The Guardian - Music

It's difficult to play great tennis".

The Guardian - Sport

JR: Older folks are difficult to play with.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is very large and difficult to play.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to play", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect makes it challenging, such as technical skill, opponent strategy, or environmental conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to play" without specifying why something is hard. Instead of saying "The game is difficult to play", specify "The game is difficult to play due to its complex rules and strategic depth."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to play" functions as an adjectival phrase describing the level of challenge involved in performing or engaging with something. It combines the adjective "difficult" with the infinitive form of the verb "play" to indicate the degree of effort or skill required. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to play" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something that presents a challenge or requires significant skill to perform. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it frequently appears in contexts ranging from sports and music to acting and general problem-solving. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the source of the difficulty to provide a clearer understanding. Alternatives like "challenging to execute" or "hard to perform" can be used to add variety to your writing. Whether you're discussing a complex musical piece or a tough game, "difficult to play" effectively conveys the degree of effort and skill required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging to execute

Focuses more on the execution aspect, highlighting the complexity of carrying out the action.

hard to perform

Emphasizes the level of effort or skill required for the performance.

not easy to do

A simpler, more general way of expressing the difficulty of an action.

tough to manage

Highlights the difficulty in controlling or handling a situation or task.

complicated to handle

Focuses on the complexity and the need for careful management.

tricky to deal with

Suggests a need for cunning or cleverness in addressing the situation.

laborious to undertake

Emphasizes the amount of effort and time required.

formidable to attempt

Highlights the daunting or intimidating nature of the task.

taxing to accomplish

Focuses on the draining or exhausting aspect of achieving the goal.

awkward to navigate

Suggests difficulties in maneuvering or progressing through a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to play" to describe games, musical pieces, or situations that present challenges. For example: "The sonata is beautiful but incredibly "difficult to play"".

What can I say instead of "difficult to play"?

Alternatives include "challenging to execute", "hard to perform", or "not easy to do", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "difficult to play" and "hard to play" are acceptable and often interchangeable. "Difficult" might imply a more complex challenge, while "hard" is a more general term for something requiring effort.

What makes something "difficult to play"?

The difficulty can stem from various factors such as complex rules, intense competition, technical requirements, or emotional challenges, depending on the context.