downright difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downright difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the extreme level of difficulty of a task or situation. Example: "The exam was downright difficult, leaving many students feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Most have had experience with shy and reluctant and downright difficult stallions.

The New York Times - Sports

Figuring out how much those options are worth is downright difficult, and it could open the door to more problems.

The New York Times

On almost all pressing recent matters, whether in the euro crisis or over sanctions on Russia, France has been slow to move, inaudible or even downright difficult.

The Economist

The loose cashmere draping, the austere shapes and the downright difficult hemlines would have vexed both critics and potential customers alike.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Faust," Part 2, written in Goethe's old age and published shortly after his death in 1832, is more abstract, disjunct -- Faust travels from the court of the Emperor Maximilian to the shores of classical antiquity -- and downright difficult.

The New York Times

In fact, it can be downright difficult for a person without enough computer experience.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

You can't expect the British people to accept controversial, difficult, downright unpopular decisions unless you have laid the groundwork.

The Guardian

Clearly not all customers are pleasant and some are downright surly or difficult, especially when waiting in long queues or holding unrealistic expectations about what your store can offer them.

WikiHow

But it is difficult, and downright awkward, to criticise one's colleagues.

The Economist

"One of the skills we need is to be downright nosey, to ask difficult questions for parents: What time does he come in?

Independent

That's probably inevitable, as is the fact that we're a government, like all governments, operating in the shadow of 2008 doing a lot of difficult, gory, downright unpopular things.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance your writing, be mindful of the context. While "downright difficult" is suitable for many situations, consider whether a more nuanced phrase, such as "exceptionally challenging" or "remarkably complex", might be more precise.

Common error

While "downright difficult" effectively emphasizes difficulty, overuse can weaken its impact. Vary your vocabulary by using alternative intensifiers like "exceptionally", "incredibly", or simply relying on stronger verbs and nouns to convey the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downright difficult" functions as an adjectival phrase used to modify a noun, emphasizing the intensity of the difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to amplify the degree of challenge associated with the modified noun.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "downright difficult" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, designed to emphasize a particularly high degree of difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While its frequency is uncommon, it is most often found in news and media contexts. When considering usage, remember that while acceptable in most scenarios, a more formal substitute may be preferable in academic or scientific writing. Be careful not to overuse this phrase, as repetition can diminish its intended impact. This linguistic tool serves to amplify the sense of challenge, complexity, or strain, ensuring the reader understands the gravity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extremely challenging

Focuses on the high level of challenge involved.

Incredibly tough

Emphasizes the robustness and resilience needed to overcome the difficulty.

Remarkably complex

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the difficulty.

Seriously problematic

Underscores the potential issues and complications arising from the difficulty.

Truly arduous

Stresses the strenuous and laborious effort required.

Exceptionally demanding

Highlights the high expectations and requirements associated with the difficulty.

Notably intricate

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of the difficulty.

Undeniably taxing

Emphasizes the depleting and burdensome effect of the difficulty.

Significantly trying

Highlights the testing and challenging aspects of the difficulty.

Really bothersome

Emphasizes the troublesome and irritating nature of the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "downright difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "downright difficult" to describe tasks, situations, or concepts that are extremely challenging. For example: "The exam was "downright difficult", and many students struggled to finish it."

What are some alternatives to "downright difficult"?

Alternatives include "extremely challenging", "incredibly tough", or "remarkably complex", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "downright difficult" appropriate for formal writing?

While "downright difficult" is generally acceptable, it can lean towards the informal side. In highly formal contexts, consider using a more sophisticated synonym such as "exceptionally demanding" or "significantly trying".

What's the difference between "difficult" and "downright difficult"?

"Downright difficult" is an intensified version of "difficult". It emphasizes that something is not just challenging, but extremely so. Using "downright" adds a stronger sense of severity and intensity to the difficulty.