difficult to remain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to remain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges related to staying in a particular state, position, or situation. Example: "In times of stress, it can be difficult to remain calm and collected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He remains positive and sometimes it does feel difficult to remain hopeful for the future health of the planet and its wonderful abundance of life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's difficult to remain calm".

Independent

It was difficult to remain calm, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is difficult to remain healthy in these conditions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do you find it difficult to remain impartial during games?

The Guardian - Sport

It is also difficult to remain quite so completely confused.

The New York Times - Books

But he was finding it difficult to remain presentable.

The New York Times

"Fleet Bank recognized it was becoming increasingly difficult to remain competitive in the large banking arena.

The New York Times

When you are feeling overwhelmed it can be difficult to remain objective.

The Guardian

So much of the all-American Jeep is about image that it's difficult to remain objective.

The Guardian - Tech

He even complained that it was difficult to remain patient, but he followed doctors' instructions.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to remain", ensure the context clearly indicates what state or condition is challenging to maintain. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to remain" without specifying the subject or context. Saying "it is difficult to remain" without further detail can leave the reader wondering what exactly is challenging to maintain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to remain" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied or stated noun. It describes the degree of challenge associated with maintaining a specific condition or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to remain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses the challenges associated with maintaining a particular state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for application across various contexts, from news reporting to scientific discourse. While predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, understanding its proper usage—specifically, the need for contextual clarity—can enhance writing precision. By considering alternatives like "hard to maintain" or "challenging to sustain", writers can further fine-tune their message. Overall, "difficult to remain" is a valuable tool for expressing the complexities of persistence and endurance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to maintain

Focuses on the effort required for maintenance.

challenging to sustain

Highlights the difficulty in keeping something going over time.

tough to uphold

Emphasizes the struggle in preserving or defending something.

complex to preserve

Suggests intricacy in the act of keeping something intact.

difficult to persevere

Focuses on the challenge of continuing despite obstacles.

arduous to continue

Implies a strenuous effort to proceed.

trying to stay

Highlights the demanding nature of remaining in a specific state.

taxing to keep

Emphasizes the draining aspect of maintaining something.

strenuous to hold

Suggests considerable exertion required to maintain a position or state.

awkward to carry on

Describes the discomfort in sustaining an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to remain" to describe a situation where maintaining a certain state or condition is challenging. For example, "It is difficult to remain optimistic during times of crisis".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to remain"?

Some alternatives include "hard to maintain", "challenging to sustain", or "tough to uphold", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. For example: "hard to maintain", "challenging to sustain", or "tough to uphold".

Is it grammatically correct to say "difficult to remain"?

Yes, "difficult to remain" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable phrase used to express the challenges of maintaining a particular state or condition.

When is it appropriate to use "difficult to remain"?

It is appropriate to use "difficult to remain" in situations where you want to convey that maintaining a certain state, such as calm, objective, or hopeful, is challenging due to specific circumstances.