difficult to remove

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to remove" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that poses a challenge or requires significant effort to take away or eliminate. Example: "The stain on the carpet is difficult to remove, even with the best cleaning products."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Malignant tumors are more difficult to remove.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Disruptive students are difficult to remove.

The New York Times

But she found the cleat protector difficult to remove.

The New York Times

Once in the House, they are notoriously difficult to remove.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those with extensive root systems are difficult to remove.

The New York Times

Therefore, most burrs at intersecting holes are difficult to remove.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Smaller-sized particles are the most difficult to remove.

Developments in Surface Contamination and Cleaning Particle Deposition, Control and Removal

However, these support structures may be difficult to remove.

Journal of Manufacturing Processes

Once released, such aliens are very difficult to remove.

The New York Times

The workers have proved more difficult to remove.

The New York Times

Is it difficult to remove a cracked bathroom-floor tile?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the difficulty of removing something, consider the reason for the difficulty. Be specific by adding why is something "difficult to remove", for instance: "difficult to remove due to its size", "difficult to remove because of the glue used".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "difficult to remove" as a generic statement. Always provide context or reasons why something is hard to remove to give the reader a clear understanding. Instead of just saying "the stain was difficult to remove", say "the stain was difficult to remove because it had set for several days".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to remove" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing the characteristic of an object or situation that presents a challenge in being taken away or eliminated. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent grammatical correctness across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to remove" is a versatile expression used to describe a challenge in taking something away or eliminating it. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, from scientific articles to news reports and how-to guides. Its frequency suggests that is a very common expression in english language. When employing this phrase, consider providing specific reasons for the difficulty, enhancing clarity and informing the reader effectively. While alternatives like "hard to get rid of" or "challenging to eliminate" exist, "difficult to remove" offers a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to get rid of

Emphasizes the act of eliminating something unwanted.

challenging to eliminate

Highlights the difficulty in the process of elimination.

tough to dislodge

Focuses on the effort required to move something stuck.

resistant to extraction

Implies a characteristic of not yielding easily to being pulled out.

stubborn to eradicate

Stresses the persistence of something in resisting being completely destroyed.

tenacious to detach

Suggests a firm grip making separation difficult.

intractable to eliminate

Highlights the unmanageable nature of the elimination process.

firmly affixed

Describes the state of being strongly attached, implying removal difficulty.

difficult to disassociate

Highlights the challenge to make independent or unconnected.

hard to eradicate

Emphasizes the act of complete removal and destruction, implying a difficult process.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to remove" to describe something that requires significant effort or specialized methods to take away. For example, "That old wallpaper is proving "difficult to remove"."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to remove"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hard to get rid of", "challenging to eliminate", or "tough to dislodge", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "hard to remove" instead of "difficult to remove"?

Yes, "hard to remove" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "difficult to remove". Both phrases convey a similar meaning.

What makes something "difficult to remove" versus "impossible to remove"?

"Difficult to remove" implies a challenge that can be overcome with effort or specific techniques, while "impossible to remove" suggests that removal is not feasible under any circumstances.