exactly difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly difficult" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the precise level of difficulty of a task or situation, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "The exam was exactly difficult, challenging just enough to test our knowledge without being overwhelming."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The questions aren't exactly difficult — Who is the President?

The New Yorker

The questions aren't exactly difficult—Who is the President?

The New Yorker

Indeed, it is exactly difficult circumstances that call for true leadership.

The New York Times

Tracing the flight path from the washing machine backwards is not exactly difficult.

The Guardian

But chucking a pill or tab into your mouth, or snorting up dust that smells like cheap washing powder (and  probably is), isn't exactly difficult, is it?

The Guardian - Opinion

Since it's not exactly difficult to think of a train of words beginning with certain letters, the setter will often up his or her game and offer a phrase that gives extra value through wit, charm or appositeness.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Advance to what exactly is difficult to say.

The New York Times - Books

RIOMAGGIORE, Italy — Evidence of exactly how difficult the individual time trial was Thursday at the Giro d'Italia could be found only yards from the finish line.

The New York Times - Sports

In "Those Guys Have All the Fun," a 2011 oral history of ESPN, Keith Olbermann reminisced about his tumultuous years at the network, and tried to assess exactly how difficult he was to work with.

The New Yorker

Indeed, and your question prompted many others to tell their midlife coming-out stories, nearly all with a similar refrain: "I know exactly how difficult it was for you".

The New York Times

It wasn't exactly a difficult job: no one is against good governance in Africa (except, occasionally, governments), and I believe in most of what the foundation stands for.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exactly difficult", ensure that the context provides a clear understanding of what is being described as difficult. The phrase can be effective when you want to emphasize the precision of the challenge.

Common error

Avoid overusing "exactly difficult" as it can sound repetitive and unnatural in writing. Opt for more common and nuanced alternatives like "moderately challenging" or "somewhat complex" to maintain a smoother flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly difficult" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "difficult". It specifies the degree or extent of difficulty. Ludwig's analysis suggests that while grammatically sound, this particular phrasing isn't very common and might sound unnatural in some contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exactly difficult" aims to convey a precise degree of challenge. However, Ludwig indicates that it's not commonly used and can sometimes sound awkward. Grammatically correct, it functions as an adverbial modifier to the adjective "difficult". While its intent is to provide clarity, alternative phrases like "precisely challenging" or "just challenging enough" might offer smoother, more natural-sounding options. The phrase appears in neutral contexts, including news and scientific articles, but its rare occurrence suggests careful consideration when incorporating it into writing is advised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely challenging

Emphasizes the precision of the challenge involved.

just challenging enough

Indicates a level of difficulty that is adequate but not excessive.

moderately challenging

Suggests a balanced level of difficulty, neither too easy nor too hard.

somewhat arduous

Highlights the effort and exertion required.

not a walk in the park

An idiomatic expression meaning it is not easy.

rather taxing

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the task.

fairly demanding

Indicates a significant level of requirement and effort.

substantially complex

Focuses on the intricate and complicated nature.

considerably intricate

Stresses the detailed and elaborate aspects.

tough to navigate

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or dealing with something.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly difficult" to describe a task or situation that presents a precise level of challenge. For example: "The exam was "exactly difficult", testing our knowledge without being overwhelming."

What are some alternatives to "exactly difficult"?

Alternatives include "precisely challenging", "just challenging enough", or "moderately challenging", depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "exactly difficult" grammatically correct?

Yes, "exactly difficult" is grammatically correct, but it's not very common and can sound awkward. It's better to use alternatives like "fairly demanding" or "somewhat arduous".

When is it appropriate to use "exactly difficult"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the precise level of difficulty of a task or situation. However, ensure that the context is clear and that it doesn't sound unnatural. Consider alternatives if it feels too forced.