difficult to reconcile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to reconcile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is hard to reconcile or make consistent with something else. For example, "The conflict between Sarah and her sister was difficult to reconcile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It seems difficult to reconcile that this should be so.

The Guardian - Opinion

The thought is difficult to reconcile.

The Guardian

Yet the Bush and McCain agendas are difficult to reconcile.

The New York Times

Surely it is difficult to reconcile helplessness with divinity.

The New York Times

It seems difficult to reconcile this with her being six.

The Guardian - Opinion

Often the claims and counterclaims are difficult to reconcile.

The New York Times

This effect is difficult to reconcile with Keynesian theory".

The New York Times

He said it was difficult to reconcile the November increase with the December drop.

The New York Times

It is vexed because the evidence points to two truths, difficult to reconcile.

The New Yorker

It has also been difficult to reconcile with other principles, especially those advocating equal retribution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is difficult to reconcile this result with our data.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to reconcile", ensure that the elements you are trying to reconcile are clearly defined to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to reconcile" when the elements are simply different, not inherently contradictory. The phrase implies a conflict or inconsistency that needs resolution, not just a distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to reconcile" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing the extent of the challenge involved in bringing disparate elements into agreement or harmony. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights a state of incongruity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to reconcile" is a commonly used phrase that describes the challenging nature of resolving conflicts or inconsistencies between different elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. As shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a versatile range of application. When using this phrase, ensure the elements being reconciled are clearly defined and that a genuine conflict, rather than just a distinction, exists. Consider alternatives like "hard to harmonize" or "challenging to accommodate" to fine-tune your expression. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the complexity of reconciling seemingly incompatible ideas or situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problematic to reconcile

Highlights the problematic nature of achieving consistency or agreement.

hard to harmonize

Replaces "reconcile" with "harmonize", focusing on achieving agreement or balance, implying less conflict.

challenging to accommodate

Shifts the focus to making space for differing elements, suggesting a need for adaptation.

tough to conciliate

Emphasizes the difficulty in mediating or appeasing conflicting parties or ideas.

tricky to harmonize

Replacing difficult with tricky to describe something that is hard to adjust or compromise.

hard to accommodate

Expresses difficulty in adjusting or making room for conflicting ideas.

hard to bring together

Focuses on the action of uniting disparate elements, rather than resolving conflict.

troublesome to conciliate

Describes something that is not easy to bring to a peaceful agreement or solution.

impossible to reconcile

Indicates a complete inability to find agreement or consistency.

difficult to unite

Focuses on difficulty in bringing different things or people together as one.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to reconcile" to describe situations where two or more facts, ideas, or beliefs seem contradictory. For example, "It's difficult to reconcile his claims of innocence with the overwhelming evidence against him."

What's the difference between "difficult to reconcile" and "hard to explain"?

"Difficult to reconcile" suggests conflicting elements that need resolution, while "hard to explain" simply indicates something is not easily understood, without necessarily implying conflict.

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult to reconcile"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "hard to harmonize", "challenging to accommodate", or "tough to conciliate".

Is it always negative to describe something as "difficult to reconcile"?

While "difficult to reconcile" often points to a problem or challenge, it can also be a neutral observation. It simply acknowledges the complexity of making things consistent, without necessarily implying a failure or negative outcome.