found it difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "found it difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to describe a difficult task or situation that you experienced. For example: "I found it difficult to keep up with the fast-paced course material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I've not found it difficult.

Independent

She found it difficult to absorb food.

The New York Times - Sports

I found it difficult to breathe.

The New Yorker

But he himself found it difficult.

The New York Times

"They found it difficult to accept this".

The New York Times

After his death, I found it difficult.

The Guardian - Opinion

But she found it difficult to listen.

The New York Times

I think Boris found it difficult.

The Guardian

He found it difficult to speak.

The New York Times - Magazine

She found it difficult to find work.

The New York Times

Ayaaz's mother still found it difficult to accept her status.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to express degrees of difficulty. "Found it challenging", "found it tough", or "struggled with" can add nuance and prevent monotony in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "found it difficult" as a way to obscure responsibility or agency. When possible, identify the actor or circumstances that contributed to the difficulty for more direct and informative writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found it difficult" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's or subject's experience of facing a challenge. Examples from Ludwig show how it is used to describe difficulty in various contexts such as breathing, speaking, or accepting a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "found it difficult" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe encountering challenges or obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, and Science indicates its widespread applicability. While generally neutral in tone, consider context when selecting alternatives to enhance precision and impact. Remember to clearly specify the source or cause of the difficulty for clarity. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "found it difficult" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

found it challenging

Emphasizes the stimulating and potentially rewarding aspect of the difficulty.

found it tough

Suggests a robust and resilient approach to facing difficulties.

encountered difficulty

Formally highlights the presence of a problem or obstacle.

struggled with

Implies a sustained effort to overcome a challenge.

had trouble with

Indicates a degree of inconvenience or annoyance caused by the difficulty.

experienced problems with

Highlights a range of possible difficulties, from minor to significant.

faced obstacles

Emphasizes the external barriers contributing to the difficulty.

had a hard time with

Implies an unpleasant or frustrating experience due to the difficulty.

grappled with

Suggests a deep and complex struggle with the issue at hand.

was hard-pressed to

Focuses on the intense pressure or constraint imposed by the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "found it difficult" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "encountered difficulty", "experienced challenges", or "struggled with".

What are some alternatives to "found it difficult" for expressing a strong struggle?

To express a significant challenge, you might use phrases such as "grappled with", "wrestled with", or "had a hard time with".

Is it always necessary to specify why something was "found it difficult"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the reason provides clarity and context. This makes your writing more informative and helps the reader understand the specific nature of the challenge.

In what contexts is "found it difficult" most appropriate?

"Found it difficult" is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from personal narratives to professional reports. It's a versatile phrase for describing any situation where a task or situation presented a challenge.