difficult work

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any sentence where you are talking about a task or job that is challenging. For example: "I was assigned some very difficult work by my boss today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It is difficult work.

The New York Times

It is a difficult work.

The Guardian - Music

Still, it's very difficult work".

The New York Times

We doctors think we have difficult work….

The New York Times

It will be hard and difficult work.

The Guardian

"It has been very, very difficult work".

The New York Times

It's not so much more difficult work.

The New York Times

Mrs. Clinton said much difficult work remained.

The New York Times

I am doing very difficult work.

The Guardian

"Difficult work" that produces much smoke, Mr. Trillo said.

The New York Times

It is a difficult work -- allusive, allegorical, at times surreal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "difficult work", be specific about the reasons for the difficulty, such as complexity, physical demands, or emotional toll. This provides more context and impact for your reader.

Common error

While "difficult work" is acceptable, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "challenging endeavor" or "complex undertaking" in formal writing to enhance your vocabulary and convey nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult work" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "work". It describes the nature or quality of the work being discussed, indicating that it requires significant effort, skill, or endurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult work" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe tasks or jobs that present significant challenges. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, but the best practice is to provide specific details about what makes the work difficult to enhance understanding and impact. While widely accepted, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "challenging endeavor" in formal writing. This phrase is very frequent in News & Media and Science. Remember, while the phrase is straightforward, clarifying the nature of the difficulty adds depth to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging task

Focuses on the 'task' aspect, emphasizing that the work presents a challenge.

arduous labor

Emphasizes the strenuous and laborious nature of the work.

taxing endeavor

Highlights the demanding and exhausting aspect of the effort.

demanding job

Focuses on the requirements and expectations involved in the work.

complex undertaking

Stresses the intricate and multifaceted nature of the work.

grueling assignment

Highlights the exhausting and physically demanding aspect of the work.

formidable activity

Emphasizes the challenging and awe-inspiring nature of the work.

heavy workload

Focuses on the amount of work and the burden it represents.

onerous duty

Emphasizes the burdensome and obligatory nature of the work.

strenuous activity

Highlights the effort and energy required to perform the work.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "difficult work"?

Alternatives to "difficult work" include "challenging task", "arduous labor", or "taxing endeavor" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

How can I make the phrase "difficult work" more specific?

Instead of simply stating "difficult work", specify what makes the work difficult. For example, you could say "difficult and time-consuming work" or "difficult work requiring specialized knowledge".

Is "difficult work" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "difficult work" might be considered too general for some formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "complex undertaking" or "demanding job" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "difficult work" and "challenging work"?

"Difficult work" emphasizes the hardship and effort required, while "challenging work" suggests that the work is stimulating and potentially rewarding despite its difficulty. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the struggle or the opportunity for growth.