difficult to stir

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to stir" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a substance or mixture that requires significant effort to mix or agitate, often due to its thickness or consistency. Example: "The thick batter was difficult to stir, requiring both hands to mix it properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Bulk polymerizations are also difficult to stir because of the high viscosity associated with high-molecular-weight polymers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The mixture will become very stiff, and eventually difficult to stir with the spoon.

WikiHow

If you're working by hand, the dough will become difficult to stir when it starts to thicken.

WikiHow

Do it a little at a time, if you do it all at once it makes it more difficult to stir thoroughly.

WikiHow

Once the sugar has caramelized nicely and the mixture becomes very difficult to stir, turn the heat down to the lowest setting.

WikiHow

It may get difficult to stir and incorporate the flour by the end of cooking.[5] However, you want to keep going, so that the finished product is pretty firm.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

When they are threatened, it is difficult for conservationists to stir up much public sympathy.

The Economist

Mr. Jackson's absence has left his little-known opponents — one of whom drives the neighborhoods in a 2003 Toyota Corolla blaring the gospel song "It's Time," by the Winans, from a megaphone that hangs from the back window — in the surprisingly difficult position of trying to stir up opposition to a campaign that does not seem to exist.

The New York Times

"No one is wanting to stir up paramilitary history, and the banking crisis in Ireland makes it doubly difficult politically to go for the beef industry.

The Guardian

Life begins to stir.

The New York Times

You do not have to stir constantly, but stir often.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a viscous or thick substance, use "difficult to stir" to emphasize the physical effort required to mix it. This is particularly useful in recipes or scientific instructions.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to stir" when a simpler term like "hard to mix" or "thick" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the resistance to stirring is a key characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to stir" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a quality or characteristic of something. This is supported by Ludwig AI and the examples where it describes materials that are viscous or resistant to mixing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

66%

Encyclopedias

11%

News & Media

11%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to stir" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that requires considerable effort to mix. As Ludwig AI points out, it's most frequently found in Wiki sources, followed by Encyclopedias and News & Media, indicating its accessibility and applicability across various contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's best used when emphasizing the physical challenge of stirring a particular substance. When in doubt, consider simpler alternatives like "hard to mix" for more casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to mix

Focuses on the effort required in mixing, using a simpler vocabulary.

challenging to blend

Emphasizes the difficulty in achieving a homogenous mixture.

tough to agitate

Highlights the force needed for proper movement and mixing.

laborious to combine

Stresses the amount of work involved in bringing ingredients together.

stiff to mix

Describes the resistance encountered during the mixing process, emphasizing texture.

resistant to mixing

Highlights the characteristic of the substance that opposes the action of mixing.

not easily stirred

A more literal way of expressing the difficulty in stirring.

requires vigorous stirring

Indicates the need for forceful action when stirring.

demands thorough mixing

Emphasizes the need for complete and careful blending.

presents stirring challenges

Focuses on the problematic aspects of stirring the substance.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to stir" to describe substances that require considerable effort to mix, such as "The dough became "difficult to stir" as more flour was added".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to stir"?

Alternatives include "hard to mix", "challenging to blend", or "tough to agitate", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "difficult to be stirred"?

While grammatically valid, "difficult to be stirred" is less common and sounds more passive. "Difficult to stir" is more direct and generally preferred.

What makes something "difficult to stir"?

A substance can be ""difficult to stir"" due to its high viscosity, thickness, or the presence of solid particles that resist blending.