going to be difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to be difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when predicting or expressing that a future task or situation will pose challenges or obstacles. Example: "The upcoming project is going to be difficult, but we are prepared to tackle it head-on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's going to be difficult".

The New York Times

"That's what's going to be difficult".

The New York Times - Sports

So is it going to be difficult?

The New York Times

Admittedly, winning is going to be difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

"Mathematically, it's going to be difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

So it's going to be difficult.

The Guardian

"It's going to be difficult," he said.

The New York Times

This is going to be difficult.

The Guardian

France is going to be difficult, too.

The Guardian - Sport

"It going to be difficult," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's going to be difficult, but we have hope".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going to be difficult", clearly specify what aspect will be challenging to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "going to be difficult" as a standalone statement. Always provide context on why something will be challenging, or the phrase becomes vague and unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to be difficult" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of a subject. It commonly expresses a prediction or assessment that something in the future will pose challenges. This is supported by Ludwig's examples which show its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going to be difficult" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to express an expected or predicted challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best practice to use this phrase with clear context, specifying what makes something challenging. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "will prove challenging" or "will require significant effort". Its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of communications, but clarity is key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be a tough task

Directly states that the undertaking will be rigorous.

will present challenges

Indicates obstacles will arise, focusing on the challenges themselves.

will prove challenging

Highlights the act of testing one's abilities.

will not be easy

Emphasizes lack of ease rather than a specific difficulty.

will be demanding

Focuses on the high level of effort or resources required.

will be fraught with challenges

Indicates that the situation will be filled with potential problems.

will be an uphill battle

Suggests a prolonged struggle against adversity.

will not be a walk in the park

An idiom indicating that a task will not be simple or effortless.

will require significant effort

Stresses the necessity of considerable exertion.

will face considerable hurdles

Highlights the presence of obstacles needing to be overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "going to be difficult" in a sentence?

Use "going to be difficult" to express that a future task or situation will likely involve challenges or obstacles. For example, "The negotiation is "going to be difficult", but we're prepared."

What are some alternatives to "going to be difficult"?

You can use alternatives such as "will present challenges", "will not be easy", or "will be a tough task depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "going to be difficult" in formal writing?

While "going to be difficult" is acceptable in many contexts, for highly formal writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "will prove challenging" or "will require significant effort" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "going to be difficult" the same as "will be difficult"?

Yes, the meaning is very similar. "Going to be difficult" implies a plan or expectation of difficulty, whereas "will be difficult" is a more general statement about future difficulty. Both are often interchangeable, but "going to" can subtly suggest anticipation.