difficult to quantify

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult to quantify" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to describe something that cannot be easily measured or expressed numerically. For example: "The value of his contributions to the project was difficult to quantify."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is difficult to quantify.

The New York Times - Tech

This can be more difficult to quantify.

The Guardian

Racial bias is incredibly difficult to quantify.

The Washington Post

But he says it is difficult to quantify.

The New York Times

Many would argue that culture is difficult to quantify.

Harvard Business Review

Though more difficult to quantify, these are no less real.

The Economist

The trickle of newcomers is small and difficult to quantify.

The New York Times

Benefits are rarely evaluated, because they are difficult to quantify.

Ecological Indicators

It's difficult to quantify stress because it can depend on what's going on in your life.

The Guardian

"It's always difficult to quantify what makes TV versus films," Mr. Webster said.

The New York Times

It is difficult to quantify how many Uighurs have gone home for the Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to quantify", specify why the subject is hard to measure. This adds clarity and depth to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid following "difficult to quantify" with phrases like "somewhat" or "slightly". Instead, provide context or examples to illustrate the challenge in measurement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to quantify" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, describing something that poses a challenge to measure or express numerically. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to quantify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something challenging to measure numerically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and applicable across various contexts, notably in news, scientific, and formal business writing. While alternatives exist, understanding the specific nuances of each will ensure accurate and effective communication. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide context to enhance clarity. Overall, mastering its use will improve the precision and depth of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not easily measured

Emphasizes the lack of ease in quantifying something.

hard to measure

Focuses on the act of measuring as being challenging.

challenging to assess

Highlights the difficulty in evaluating or judging something.

resistant to quantification

Highlights the inherent resistance to being quantified.

tough to evaluate

Similar to "challenging to assess", but uses a more informal tone.

imprecise to calculate

Focuses on the lack of precision when attempting to calculate.

not susceptible to precise calculation

Indicates a resistance to precise calculation.

defies precise measurement

Suggests that something resists accurate measurement.

lacks quantifiable metrics

Indicates the absence of metrics that can be easily quantified.

qualitatively assessed

Shifts the focus to qualitative assessment instead of quantitative.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to quantify" when describing something whose value or impact is hard to measure precisely. For example, "The impact of social media on political discourse is "difficult to quantify"".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to quantify"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hard to measure", "challenging to assess", or "not easily measured", depending on the specific context.

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

"Difficult to quantify" is slightly more formal, while "hard to quantify" is more casual. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

What makes something "difficult to quantify"?

Something is "difficult to quantify" when it involves subjective experiences, intangible assets, or complex interactions that cannot be easily expressed with numerical values. For instance, "The effect of company culture on employee morale is "difficult to quantify"" because it relies on individual feelings and perceptions.