difficult to pursue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to pursue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is challenging to follow, chase, or achieve. Example: "The project became increasingly difficult to pursue due to the lack of resources and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is very difficult to pursue quality.

The New York Times

It would become extremely difficult to pursue under a system of three year undergraduate degrees.

The New York Times

3.54pm: Godwin says leak inquiries are very difficult to pursue and prosecute.

The Guardian

The deaths are sometimes complicated by other factors, too, which make these cases legally difficult to pursue.

The New York Times

Global warming made it easier for growers, or at least less difficult, to pursue the lush style of '82.

The New York Times - Food

Companies generally find it difficult to pursue former employees who have violated the agreements for damages, he added.

The New York Times - Books

The new resources were critical to the effort because health care fraud cases are expensive and difficult to pursue.

The New York Times

While the proposed changes are described as a means to "improve" the law, they would also make it more difficult to pursue cases.

The New York Times

The first thing was to change the laws to make it more difficult to pursue what T.L.R. believes are inappropriate kinds of legal challenges.

The New York Times

In Waziristan, the alliance between the Pakistani military and the Taliban regime makes it difficult to pursue those harboring Al Qaeda members.

The New Yorker

He said that as long as the Maoists used violence, it would be difficult to pursue programs to combat endemic poverty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to pursue", clearly specify what is creating the difficulty. For example, instead of saying "The project was difficult to pursue", specify "The project was difficult to pursue due to lack of funding".

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to pursue" without providing context. Saying something is "difficult to pursue" is vague. Explain the specific obstacles involved, such as limited resources or complex procedures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to pursue" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the characteristic of something being challenging or arduous to follow, achieve, or continue. Ludwig examples confirm its adjectival usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to pursue" is a versatile expression used to describe challenges in achieving goals or following paths. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, specify the source of the difficulty for clarity. Alternatives such as "hard to achieve" or "challenging to attain" can provide nuanced variations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to achieve

Focuses on the challenge in reaching a specific objective.

challenging to attain

Highlights the demanding nature of reaching a goal or objective.

not easy to accomplish

Emphasizes the lack of ease in completing a task or goal.

tough to realize

Focuses on the difficulty in making something a reality.

arduous to undertake

Highlights the demanding nature of starting and carrying out an endeavor.

complicated to follow through

Emphasizes the intricate nature of completing a plan or action.

laborious to work toward

Highlights the extensive effort required to progress towards a goal.

formidable to chase

Focuses on the imposing nature of pursuing something.

demanding to strive for

Emphasizes the rigorous requirements in aiming to achieve something.

trying to bring about

Focuses on the challenging attempt to cause or achieve a particular outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to pursue" to describe something that is challenging to follow, chase, or achieve. For example: "The investigation became increasingly "difficult to pursue" due to the lack of reliable witnesses."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to pursue"?

Some alternatives include "hard to achieve", "challenging to attain", or "not easy to accomplish", depending on the specific context.

What makes something "difficult to pursue"?

Various factors can make something "difficult to pursue", such as limited resources, complex procedures, lack of support, or legal obstacles. The specific reasons should be clarified for better understanding.

Is "difficult to pursue" formal or informal?

"Difficult to pursue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and tone will further define the overall formality.