difficult to source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to source" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is hard to find or obtain. Example: "The rare ingredient was difficult to source, but the chef managed to find it at a specialty market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's very difficult to source in the market.

The New York Times

"It was difficult to source a property that fits that".

The New York Times

It is more difficult to source that from a very, very small area.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In many parts of the word, sufficient fresh water supplies are increasingly difficult to source.

The Guardian

If The Sopranos were being made now, would the clothes be more difficult to source?

Independent

"At the time they were built it was difficult to source long beams," said Mr. Riccardi.

The New York Times

Another key to success has been providing a consistent supply of something that is inherently rare and difficult to source.

The Guardian - Business

A charity that is failing to demonstrate impact may find it difficult to source funding, for example.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Because the intelligence community did not have direct access to many of these sources, it was exceedingly difficult to determine source credibility.

The New York Times

Additionally, the δ18Op ranges of many phosphate sources overlap one another, making it very difficult to infer sources of phosphate.

Plosone

It is difficult to read sources in early-twentieth-century French Catholicism without encountering Georges Goyau, member and secretary of the Académie française (1922 39).

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to source", clearly specify what makes the item hard to find. Provide context such as scarcity, regulations, or logistical challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to source" when simpler phrases like "hard to find" or "unavailable" suffice. The phrase is best reserved for situations involving complex or systemic sourcing problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to source" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that is not easily obtained or found. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to source" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes something challenging to obtain, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is used across various contexts including news, science and business, implying systemic issues or complexities beyond simple scarcity. Best practice involves providing clear context when using the phrase. Common errors include overuse in simple scenarios where "hard to find" suffices. Alternative phrases include "hard to come by" or "challenging to obtain", depending on nuance. Top sources using the phrase include The Guardian and The New York Times, showing its acceptance in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to come by

Emphasizes the scarcity or rarity of the item.

challenging to obtain

Highlights the effort required in acquiring the item.

scarce in the market

Focuses on the limited availability within a commercial context.

not readily available

Indicates a lack of immediate accessibility.

in short supply

Stresses the insufficient quantity of the item.

tough to secure

Highlights the competitive aspect of obtaining the item.

rarely found

Focuses on the infrequency of encountering the item.

not easily procured

Emphasizes the effort required in acquiring the item, often in a formal context.

limited availability

Indicates a restricted quantity or distribution.

difficult to acquire

Similar to "challenging to obtain" but slightly more formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to source" to describe items that are hard to find or obtain due to various reasons. For example, "Due to import restrictions, certain materials are "difficult to source"."

What can I say instead of "difficult to source"?

Alternatives include "hard to find", "scarce", "challenging to obtain", or "not readily available", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "difficult to source" or "hard to find"?

"Difficult to source" implies a more complex or systemic challenge in obtaining something, often related to supply chains or specific markets. "Hard to find" ("hard to find") is a more general term for something not easily located.

What factors make something "difficult to source"?

Factors can include scarcity of the raw material, geographical limitations, import/export regulations, ethical concerns, or specialized technical requirements. For example, ethically sourced exotic animal skins are often "difficult to source".