difficult to shake off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to shake off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is hard to get rid of, such as a feeling, memory, or habit. Example: "The feeling of guilt was difficult to shake off after the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is difficult to shake off a greasy grilled cheese.

The New York Times - Food

For him, it's difficult to shake off the celebrity [tag].

The Guardian - Sport

But it has been difficult to shake off the target mindset.

The Guardian

It's difficult to shake off the sense that the bar is being set way too low.

The Guardian

It adds that once children are tagged as troublesome it is difficult to shake off that reputation.

Independent

Despite his obvious passion it's difficult to shake off the impression that Faber would rather not be here.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

So it's not a difficult thing to shake off then?

BBC

Mr Hiller's "Shake Off" is hard to shake off.

The Economist

Some stereotypes are hard to shake off.

Independent

The work is hard to shake off.

The Guardian

The old stereotype is hard to shake off.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to shake off", consider the nuance you want to convey. For persistent feelings or impressions, it's apt. For concrete objects, consider alternatives like "hard to get rid of".

Common error

While "difficult to shake off" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated vocabulary depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to shake off" functions as a verbal phrase, acting as an adjective describing something that is challenging to eliminate or move past. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to shake off" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes something persistent and challenging to eliminate, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's particularly prevalent in news, books, and sports contexts. While versatile, it's best to consider the specific nuance needed; if describing a concrete object, alternatives like "hard to get rid of" might be more suitable. While generally neutral in tone, overuse in highly formal writing should be avoided. Remember to use "difficult to shake off" to best express the enduring and hard-to-dismiss nature of a feeling, memory, or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to get rid of

Focuses on the act of removing or eliminating something.

tough to eliminate

Emphasizes the challenge in eliminating something.

hard to dispel

Specifically refers to getting rid of a feeling or belief.

challenging to overcome

Highlights the difficulty in overcoming a problem or obstacle.

difficult to banish

Suggests a struggle to remove something completely.

tenacious

Highlights the quality of persistence and difficulty in relinquishing something.

clings

Implies something sticks and cannot be removed easily.

persisting

Focuses on continuous existence or effect.

stubbornly remains

Emphasizes the resilience or resistance to change.

difficult to forget

Highlights the struggle to move on from a memory or experience.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to shake off" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to shake off" to describe a feeling, memory, or habit that is hard to get rid of. For example, "The feeling of guilt was "difficult to shake off" after the incident."

What can I say instead of "difficult to shake off"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to get rid of", "tough to eliminate", or "hard to dispel" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "difficult to shake off"?

Yes, "difficult to shake off" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It follows standard English syntax and is widely understood.

What is the difference between "difficult to shake off" and "hard to forget"?

"Difficult to shake off" implies that something is persistent and continues to affect you, while "hard to forget" simply means that something is memorable and not easily forgotten. The former suggests an ongoing impact, while the latter focuses on the act of remembering.