difficult to process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to process" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is challenging to understand or analyze, such as information, data, or a situation. Example: "The report was filled with complex data that made it difficult to process the findings effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, some of its concepts are difficult to process.

The New York Times - Arts

It's so difficult to process success when you're young.

The Guardian - Film

Second, seed stock is difficult to process into lethal form.

The Economist

Perhaps it is human nature to ignore what is difficult to process.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Chinese hair is difficult to process into the luxurious waves demanded by current fashion.

The Economist

Everything comes in a heady rush; so much so it's difficult to process what exactly we are seeing.

The Guardian - Film

In this dark, and sometimes difficult to process series we'll follow a group of millennials as they communicate on the commode.

The Guardian - Opinion

Similarly, counselors say that students with learning disabilities that make it difficult to process information may do better on the ACT.

The New York Times

Alison says she finds it "difficult to process" that Jenner, whom she lived with for five years, was as emotionally intelligent as the on-screen spy.

The Guardian

official, said at a House hearing in October 1999, "they are difficult to process into a lethal form and successfully deliver to achieve large-scale casualties".

The New York Times - Science

The subjects are so huge and unruly, so difficult to process even when attended to from a safe distance, that their appropriation as dance themes seems foolhardy.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or analytical contexts, using "difficult to process" can highlight challenges in data analysis, information management, or system operations.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to process" when a simpler term like "hard to understand" or "complex" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "difficult to process" is to act as an adjectival phrase describing a noun or concept. Ludwig's examples show it modifying various nouns, such as "success", "information", and "data", indicating the challenging nature of these elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to process" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe anything that presents a challenge to understanding or managing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals it is very common, with high frequency in news, scientific and formal writing. While broadly applicable, be mindful of simpler alternatives for less complex scenarios. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "hard to comprehend" or "challenging to analyze" for nuanced conveyance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to comprehend

Emphasizes the cognitive challenge of understanding something.

challenging to analyze

Focuses on the analytical difficulties presented by something.

tough to digest

Implies that something is emotionally or intellectually unsettling.

complicated to understand

Highlights the complexity as the reason for difficulty.

unwieldy to manage

Suggests a difficulty in controlling or handling something, often data or systems.

problematic to deal with

Indicates that something poses practical problems when addressed.

taxing on the mind

Focuses on the mental strain caused by trying to understand something.

demanding to interpret

Emphasizes the rigor required to correctly understand or assign meaning.

a struggle to grasp

Highlights the effort required to gain understanding.

not easily understood

A more direct and simple way of conveying the difficulty in understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to process" to describe information, emotions, or events that are challenging to understand or accept. For instance, "The news was so shocking that it was "difficult to process"".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to process"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "hard to comprehend", "challenging to analyze", or "tough to digest". These alternatives convey similar meanings while offering different nuances.

Is "difficult to process" formal or informal?

The phrase "difficult to process" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation when choosing the most appropriate wording.

What makes something "difficult to process"?

Something can be "difficult to process" due to its complexity, emotional impact, or the sheer volume of information involved. Factors such as personal biases or lack of relevant background knowledge can also contribute to this difficulty.