difficult to withstand

USAGE SUMMARY

'difficult to withstand' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is challenging to maintain or endure. For example, "The cold temperatures were difficult to withstand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Embraces are far more difficult to withstand than attacks.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is very difficult to withstand this violence, to eliminate it.

The Guardian - Film

Both animals possess submerged maneuverability skills and a natural resistance to undersea pressure that humans find difficult to withstand.

The Guardian

They showed that the flow pattern was strongly affected by the heat flux and it is difficult to withstand bubbly flow regimes using water as working fluid due to its high surface tension and large contact angle.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Even stalwart Google fanboys Taschek and Marks found it difficult to withstand the halo surrounding Apple's aggressive move to the Cloud and iOS as the dominant platform moving forward.

TechCrunch

So even though a person may be able to resist one temptation, subsequent temptations become more difficult to withstand.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Sometimes it's not easy doing what has to be done to talk about difficult issues, to withstand powerful forces, and that's what Carl McCall has tried to do his entire life," Mrs. Clinton said.

The New York Times

"It is difficult for them to withstand the travelling [as a result]," she says.

BBC

It turns out that 40atm is not so difficult a pressure to withstand.

eLife

10, 18 The additive and synergistic effects of long-term overfishing, chronic coastal pollution, and poorly regulated coastal development had already compromised coral reefs, making it difficult for reefs to withstand more stressful conditions associated with increasing frequency and intensity of bleaching events.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

"A nation that wants to live in the Middle East must know how to withstand difficult moments".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to withstand", ensure the subject experiencing the difficulty is clearly defined. For example, instead of saying "The pressure was difficult to withstand", specify "The building found the pressure difficult to withstand".

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to withstand" in overly general contexts without specifying what makes it difficult. For instance, saying "Life is difficult to withstand" is vague; provide specific challenges, such as "Financial instability makes life difficult to withstand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to withstand" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied or stated noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes the degree to which something can endure or resist a force or pressure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to withstand" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe something challenging to endure or resist. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is experiencing the difficulty. Related phrases include "hard to endure" and "challenging to resist". While relatively uncommon, it provides a clear and effective way to express adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to endure

Focuses on the aspect of enduring something challenging.

challenging to resist

Emphasizes the difficulty in opposing or fighting against something.

tough to tolerate

Highlights the struggle in accepting or putting up with something.

not easy to overcome

Stresses the complexity of prevailing over a situation or obstacle.

arduous to bear

Implies a heavy burden and the strain of carrying it.

formidable to confront

Highlights the intimidating nature of facing something difficult.

severe to undergo

Focuses on the harshness and intensity of experiencing something.

demanding to sustain

Emphasizes the effort required to keep something going.

impossible to bear

Indicates an unbearable or intolerable situation or feeling.

strenuous to maintain

Highlights the rigorous effort necessary to keep something in place.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to withstand" to describe something challenging to endure or resist. For example: "The economic hardship was "difficult to withstand" for many families."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to withstand"?

Alternatives include "hard to endure", "challenging to resist", or "tough to tolerate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult to withstand" or "hard to withstand"?

Both "difficult to withstand" and "hard to withstand" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference and the overall tone of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "difficult to withstand" in writing?

Use "difficult to withstand" when you want to emphasize the challenging nature of enduring or resisting something, whether it's a physical force, emotional stress, or external pressure.