difficult to squeeze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to squeeze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is hard to compress or extract, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The toothpaste tube was almost empty, making it difficult to squeeze out the last bit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A | Space means it would be difficult to squeeze more in but 60,000 is probably adequate.

Independent

I've really enjoyed having the opportunity for dedicated study time – something that is often difficult to squeeze in when you are working full-time.

The Guardian

As more Super Highways are built, it will become increasingly difficult to squeeze them into the existing traffic system, especially in the city center.

The New York Times - Arts

Oily fish can be a little trickier – its shelf life can make it difficult to squeeze into a busy family's schedule Its expense, too, can be prohibitive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It seemed like a weird system that made it difficult to squeeze every last minute out of skiing time but perhaps the more experienced have ways around this.

The Guardian - Travel

(Steve Duethman, an architect with AECOM, which worked on the building, said that a true hockey venue would have needed to be thirty or forty feet longer, and would have been difficult to squeeze onto the current site).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It is difficult enough to squeeze the radios for just four bands into a mobile phone so its user can roam abroad.

The Economist

"It's a very difficult time to squeeze out and have the oversight and the testimony to put new legislation in place".

The New York Times

The fall of the dollar and the dramatic rise in the euro has made European products especially expensive in the U.S. It is difficult enough to squeeze profit out of small vehicles in a market that pays for size.

Forbes

At a difficult-to-fathom (and sometimes, difficult-to-squeeze-into) 460 sq ft, The Matchbox may be Chicago's smallest bar.

The Guardian - Travel

There is little chance that Britain, a far bigger country with a history of being difficult, would be allowed to squeeze in alongside Switzerland.And don't come backNo country has ever left the European Union (though Greenland, an autonomous dependency of Denmark's, voted to leave in 1982).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract situations, use "difficult to squeeze" to highlight challenges in resource allocation or time management. For example, "It's often difficult to squeeze in dedicated study time when working full-time."

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to squeeze" solely for literal physical compression. Consider more descriptive alternatives like "resistant to compression" or "hard to compress" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to squeeze" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing challenges in physical compression or abstract situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to squeeze" is a versatile and commonly used adjectival phrase that describes the challenge of fitting, compressing, or extracting something. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, from news and media to scientific articles and wikis. While generally neutral, consider more formal alternatives like "resistant to compression" for highly formal writing. Avoid overusing the phrase solely for physical compression; instead, explore descriptive alternatives when precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to compress

Focuses on the physical challenge of compression.

challenging to extract

Highlights the difficulty in removing or obtaining something.

resistant to compression

Similar to "hard to compress" but more formal.

tough to fit

Emphasizes the struggle to accommodate something in a limited space.

awkward to maneuver

Describes the difficulty in moving something due to size or space constraints.

unyielding to pressure

Highlights resistance to external force.

hard to force

Highlights the difficulty in applying pressure to achieve a desired outcome.

problematic to accommodate

Focuses on the issues of fitting or adapting something.

difficult to pack

Highlights the struggles of placing something inside a limited volume.

inconvenient to cram

Emphasizes the discomfort or difficulty of forcing something into a space.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to squeeze" to describe something hard to compress or extract, like "It's "difficult to squeeze" more seats into the stadium."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to squeeze"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "hard to compress", "challenging to extract", or "tough to fit".

When is it appropriate to use "difficult to squeeze" metaphorically?

It is appropriate to use "difficult to squeeze" metaphorically when describing situations where resources, time, or space are limited, making it challenging to accommodate something. For instance, "It's "difficult to squeeze" new projects into the budget."

Is "difficult to squeeze" formal or informal?

The phrase "difficult to squeeze" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "resistant to compression".