difficult to swallow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to swallow" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is hard to accept or believe, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The news of the company's bankruptcy was difficult to swallow for the employees who had dedicated years to their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The scoreline is difficult to swallow".

The Guardian - Sport

That news was difficult to swallow.

The New York Times

Either condition may make it difficult to swallow solid food.

Harvard University

Surace said those mistakes would be difficult to swallow.

The New York Times - Sports

They were also very tough, making it difficult to swallow.

The New York Times

Its bitter taste made that defeat so difficult to swallow.

The New York Times - Sports

"Strong medicine is bitter and difficult to swallow," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Yet, why is it so difficult to swallow criticism from others?

Yale University

Even in a fantasy film their relationship is difficult to swallow.

Huffington Post

Strong medicine is bitter and difficult to swallow.

The Guardian

But sometimes the meat contains large pieces of gristle, which are hard to chew and difficult to swallow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult to swallow" when you want to express that something is not easily accepted or believed, often because it is unpleasant or challenging. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to swallow" in literal contexts unless you are specifically talking about a physical impediment to swallowing. The phrase is primarily used to describe information, situations, or ideas that are hard to accept or believe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to swallow" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe something that is hard to accept or believe. Ludwig provides examples showing its versatility in different contexts, often relating to unpleasant news or challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "difficult to swallow" is a versatile phrase used to describe something hard to accept or believe. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its meaning transcends literal interpretation, functioning primarily in a figurative sense to convey emotional or intellectual challenges. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "hard to accept" or "tough to take". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with its figurative meaning to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to accept

Focuses specifically on the acceptance aspect of the difficulty.

tough to take

Emphasizes the emotional burden or difficulty in experiencing something.

hard to believe

Highlights the incredulity or lack of conviction associated with the information.

unpalatable

Uses a more formal tone suggesting something unpleasant or disagreeable.

bitter pill to swallow

Emphasizes the unpleasantness and reluctance in accepting a situation.

hard to stomach

Emphasizes the feeling of disgust or revulsion associated with something.

demanding acceptance

Highlights the active requirement of accepting a difficult truth or situation.

challenging to embrace

Focuses on the struggle of integrating or adopting a new idea or reality.

not easily believed

Indicates skepticism and the need for substantial evidence or convincing.

a tough reality

Highlights the harshness and difficulty of the factual situation.

FAQs

What does "difficult to swallow" mean?

The expression "difficult to swallow" means something is hard to accept or believe, often because it is unpleasant or challenging. It's typically used in a figurative sense.

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

You might say, "The company's financial losses were "difficult to swallow" for the investors", indicating the investors found the losses hard to accept.

What are some alternatives to "difficult to swallow"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to accept", "tough to take", or "hard to believe" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "difficult to swallow" in formal writing?

Yes, "difficult to swallow" is appropriate in formal writing, but consider alternatives like "unpalatable" or "demanding acceptance" for a more elevated tone.