got more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that has become increasingly challenging over time. Example: "As the project progressed, it got more difficult to meet the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The visiting got more difficult.

Stanford University

"Football has got more difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

In time, Brown got more difficult.

The New Yorker

Times have recently got more difficult than ever.

The Guardian

And every day it got more difficult still.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm not sure that it has got more difficult.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It fluctuates and gets more difficult".

Independent

But environmental accounting gets more difficult.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tax evasion is getting more difficult.

The Economist

As you progress, things get more difficult.

The New York Times - Tech

It's been getting more difficult".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or situation that evolves over time, use "got more difficult" to clearly indicate an increase in complexity or challenge. This phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts, from casual conversation to more formal writing.

Common error

While "got more difficult" is versatile, be mindful of overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider substituting with phrases like "became more challenging" or "grew more complex" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got more difficult" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a change in state, specifically that something has increased in difficulty over time. Ludwig examples show this phrase being used to describe evolving situations and processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got more difficult" is a common and grammatically sound way to express an increase in the level of challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves to convey evolving situations becoming increasingly hard to manage. For formal contexts, alternatives such as "became more challenging" may be more appropriate. This phrase effectively communicates growing obstacles, and its understanding is critical for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became more challenging

Replaces "got" with "became" and "difficult" with "challenging", offering a slightly more formal tone.

turned harder

Uses simpler vocabulary while maintaining the core meaning of increasing difficulty.

grew more complex

Focuses on the increasing complexity rather than just difficulty.

escalated in difficulty

Emphasizes a gradual increase in difficulty.

presented increased challenges

Shifts the focus to the challenges themselves, rather than the act of becoming more difficult.

became more problematic

Highlights the problematic nature of the increasing difficulty.

proved more demanding

Emphasizes the increased demands or requirements.

became increasingly tough

Uses the word "tough" for a slightly informal but impactful effect.

met with greater obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles encountered as difficulty increases.

encountered heightened adversity

Highlights the increasing adversity or unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "got more difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "got more difficult" to describe situations that have become increasingly challenging. For example, "As the project progressed, it "got more difficult" to meet deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "got more difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "became more challenging", "turned harder", or "grew more complex" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "became more difficult" or "got more difficult"?

Both phrases are correct, but "became more difficult" is generally considered more formal. Use "became more difficult" in academic or professional settings, and ""got more difficult"" in more casual contexts.

What's the difference between "got more difficult" and "became more complex"?

"Got more difficult" implies an increase in the level of challenge, while "became more complex" suggests an increase in intricacy or complication. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.