equally difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equally difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the difficulty level of two or more tasks, situations, or challenges that are perceived to be the same in terms of difficulty. Example: "Both the math problem and the science experiment were equally difficult for the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Getting a higher education was equally difficult.

The New York Times

Were the exercises equally difficult for them?

Computers in Human Behavior

Acquiring skills may be equally difficult in the private sector.

MIT Technology Review

The definitions of illness and disease are equally difficult problems.

Britannica

Elsewhere, easy answers seemed equally difficult to come by.

The New York Times

His other claims are equally difficult to sort out.

The New York Times

The synthesis of complex biological molecules is equally difficult.

The New York Times

Family visits would be equally difficult in the UK.

The Guardian

It is equally difficult to imagine the S.D.F.

The New Yorker

It was equally difficult to make myself understood.

The New Yorker

But it is equally difficult to be overly critical.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the difficulty of two distinct tasks or situations, using "equally difficult" helps establish a clear and direct relationship between them. This ensures your audience understands the level of challenge is consistent across both subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "equally difficult" when the context suggests one situation is subtly more challenging than another. Instead, opt for phrases that reflect nuanced differences, such as "slightly more demanding" or "somewhat less straightforward."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equally difficult" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that two or more subjects share a similar degree of difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms this by showing many examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equally difficult" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that two or more things share a similar level of challenge. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. While alternatives like "just as challenging" or "similarly arduous" exist, "equally difficult" provides a straightforward comparison. A key takeaway is to ensure the contexts genuinely reflect comparable difficulty to avoid misleading readers. Ludwig provides several authentic examples to further guide effective use of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as challenging

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", maintaining the comparison of equal intensity.

similarly arduous

Substitutes both "equally" and "difficult" with synonyms, emphasizing strenuousness.

comparably tough

Uses "tough" instead of "difficult" to suggest resilience needed, but the meaning is preserved.

no less problematic

Offers a slightly different angle, focusing on the problematic nature rather than pure difficulty.

of equivalent complexity

Emphasizes the intricacy and complicated nature, not just the difficulty.

on par in difficulty

More formal, suggesting the same level or standard of difficulty.

bears a similar hardship

Shifts focus to the hardship involved, not just intellectual difficulty.

presents a matching struggle

Focuses on the struggle element, useful when the context involves effort and perseverance.

raises parallel obstacles

Emphasizes the hurdles and barriers faced, broadening the sense of 'difficulty'.

demands the same effort

Highlights the level of effort required instead of difficulty experienced.

FAQs

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

Use "equally difficult" to compare two tasks or situations that present a similar level of challenge. For example: "Solving the equation and writing the essay were "equally difficult"."

What are some alternatives to "equally difficult"?

Alternatives include "just as challenging", "similarly arduous", or "comparably tough". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "equally difficult" or "just as difficult"?

"Equally difficult" and "just as difficult" are both acceptable in most contexts. "Equally difficult" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.

What's the difference between "equally difficult" and "very difficult"?

"Very difficult" describes the high level of challenge of a single task, while "equally difficult" compares the level of challenge between two or more tasks, asserting they share a similar degree of hardship.