exceptionally difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptionally difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task, situation, or problem that is extremely challenging or hard to accomplish. Example: "The exam was exceptionally difficult, leaving many students feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's exceptionally difficult to do.

The New York Times - Sports

It's an exceptionally difficult situation.

The Washington Post

Certain writers are exceptionally difficult to translate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Investigating these cases is exceptionally difficult.

The Guardian - Opinion

The descriptions make for exceptionally difficult reading.

The New York Times

Is he exceptionally difficult to translate?

The Guardian - Books

CP has additionally been tested for exceptionally difficult exponentiations.

Neuropsychologia

Reconstruction of bodily deformities due to burns is exceptionally difficult.

Total Burn Care

But it is exceptionally difficult to get it right.

The New York Times

They are an exceptionally difficult animal to immobilise".

Independent

Making the film was an exceptionally difficult project.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptionally difficult" when you want to emphasize the extreme level of challenge or complexity involved in a task or situation. It conveys a higher degree of difficulty than simply saying "difficult".

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple intensifiers (e.g., "very exceptionally difficult") as it can sound redundant. Choose the single most appropriate intensifier to convey the intended degree of difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally difficult" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree of difficulty associated with something, indicating that it is significantly more challenging than average. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptionally difficult" is a versatile and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to convey a high degree of challenge or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternative phrases like "extremely challenging" or "incredibly tough" exist, "exceptionally difficult" offers a slightly more formal and emphatic tone. Remember to avoid overusing intensifiers and choose the most accurate descriptor to convey the intended level of difficulty. Using this phrase effectively can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely challenging

Emphasizes the challenge aspect, potentially focusing on effort required.

incredibly tough

Highlights the resilience needed to overcome the difficulty.

remarkably arduous

Stresses the strenuous and prolonged effort involved.

unusually complex

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the difficulty.

singularly problematic

Emphasizes the unique and troublesome nature of the difficulty.

highly demanding

Highlights the significant requirements and expectations involved.

distinctly taxing

Focuses on the depleting effect the difficulty has on resources or energy.

terribly complicated

Emphasizes the intricate and confusing nature of the difficulty.

notoriously tricky

Highlights the widely known or recognized difficulty.

uncommonly intricate

Focuses on the fine details and complex interrelations contributing to the difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceptionally difficult" to describe a wide range of challenging situations. For instance, "The exam was exceptionally difficult" or "Navigating the bureaucracy proved exceptionally difficult".

What are some alternatives to "exceptionally difficult"?

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

Is "exceptionally difficult" more formal than "very difficult"?

While both are acceptable, "exceptionally difficult" can sound slightly more formal or emphatic than "very difficult". The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

When is it appropriate to use "exceptionally difficult"?

Use "exceptionally difficult" when you want to emphasize that something is significantly more challenging than usual. It's appropriate when the standard descriptors of "difficult" simply don't suffice.