difficult to resolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to resolve" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a problem, issue, or conflict that is challenging to find a solution for or to come to a resolution. Example: "The dispute between the two countries was difficult to resolve, as neither side was willing to compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is very difficult to resolve.

The New York Times

The noise problem may be more difficult to resolve.

The New York Times

It is very difficult to resolve this issue with policies.

The Economist

This explains why ethnic conflicts are very difficult to resolve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Who controls Kirkuk is likely to prove most difficult to resolve.

The New York Times

And that problem makes it more difficult to resolve related proliferation disputes.

The New York Times

Zittrain said it may be difficult to resolve the matter definitively.

The New York Times - Sports

It was, he reported, surprisingly difficult to resolve on a course of cancer treatment.

The New Yorker

"From an international point of view, foreign fighters actually make these conflicts more difficult to resolve".

The Guardian

Problem solved, but some changeover problems are more difficult to resolve.

The New York Times - Sports

As a result, the precise ancestry of today's microbes is very difficult to resolve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to resolve", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the issue challenging. Provide specific reasons rather than vague statements.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to resolve" as a generic statement. Instead of saying "The problem is difficult to resolve", specify what aspects of the problem make it challenging, for example, "The legal complexities make this dispute difficult to resolve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to resolve" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often a problem, issue, conflict, etc.) to indicate the degree of challenge associated with finding a solution or conclusion. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to resolve" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe challenges in finding solutions. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its frequent use across various authoritative sources, including news media and scientific publications. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is suitable for formal and informal contexts. While there are semantically related alternatives that you can explore for stylistic variation such as "hard to settle" or "complex to solve", remember to use it with specificity to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization. As Ludwig AI confirms, "difficult to resolve" is commonly used in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to settle

Emphasizes the difficulty in reaching an agreement or conclusion.

complex to solve

Highlights the intricate nature of the problem, making a solution challenging.

challenging to address

Focuses on the demanding nature of dealing with the issue.

tough to work out

Indicates the effort required to find a solution or understanding.

intricate to unravel

Suggests a complicated situation that needs careful analysis to understand.

problematic to reconcile

Highlights conflicting elements that are difficult to bring into harmony.

thorny to untangle

Emphasizes the complex and potentially painful nature of resolving the issue.

vexing to determine

Implies a frustrating difficulty in establishing or deciding something.

awkward to rectify

Suggests a situation that is uncomfortable and challenging to correct.

onerous to overcome

Emphasizes the burdensome nature of the challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to resolve" to describe a problem or situation that is challenging to find a solution for. For example, "The conflict between the departments was "difficult to resolve" due to conflicting priorities".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to resolve"?

Alternatives include "hard to settle", "complex to solve", or "challenging to address" depending on the context.

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

"Difficult to resolve" and "hard to resolve" are often interchangeable. However, "difficult" may imply a more complex or intricate challenge than "hard".

What makes something "difficult to resolve"?

Issues are "difficult to resolve" when there are conflicting interests, complex factors, a lack of clear information, or significant emotional investment from the involved parties. These elements contribute to the challenge of finding a mutually agreeable solution.