he is difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is difficult" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is hard to deal with or understand. Here is an example: "John's boss, Mr. Smith, is known to be difficult. Many employees have a hard time communicating with him and fulfilling his expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

He is difficult to read.

The Guardian

He is difficult, uncooperative and sometimes rather dense.

The Guardian

Although he is a Christian conservative, he is difficult to pigeonhole ideologically.

The New York Times

"He is difficult to move and he has good hand-eye coordination".

The New York Times - Sports

"He is difficult," she says fondly, as if talking about a mischievous child.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He is difficult from the standpoint that he is so quick," Fife said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He was difficult to ignore.

The New York Times - Sports

Will he be difficult?

The Guardian

He's difficult".

The New York Times

Still, he was difficult.

The New Yorker

At times he was difficult to follow.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using the phrase in combination with other details gives greater understanding of the person in question. For example, "He is difficult to categorize politically."

Common error

Avoid using "he is difficult" without further explanation, as it can be vague and unhelpful. Instead, specify why the person is difficult to avoid generalizations. For instance, instead of just saying "He is difficult", try "He is difficult to work with because he often misses deadlines and resists feedback."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is difficult" functions primarily as a descriptive statement. It attributes the quality of being "difficult" to a male subject. Ludwig examples show this is generally used to characterize a person's behavior or personality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is difficult" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who presents challenges in interactions or understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific publications. While generally neutral, the phrase can carry a slightly negative connotation depending on the context. To avoid vagueness, it’s best practice to provide specific examples illustrating the nature of the difficulty. Alternatives like "he is challenging", "he is uncooperative", and "he is demanding" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Therefore, while "he is difficult" is a useful descriptive phrase, it benefits from further elaboration and contextual understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is challenging

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the person.

he is uncooperative

Highlights a lack of willingness to work with others.

he is demanding

Stresses the high expectations or requirements the person has.

he is complicated

Suggests the person is not straightforward or easy to understand.

he is troublesome

Indicates that the person causes problems or difficulties.

he is prickly

Implies the person is easily offended or irritated.

he is awkward

Highlights social challenges or discomfort in interactions.

he is trying

Focuses on the strain or effort required to deal with the person.

he is taxing

Emphasizes the draining or burdensome aspect of interacting with the person.

he is high-maintenance

Indicates the person requires a lot of attention and effort.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "he is difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "he is challenging", "he is uncooperative", or "he is demanding depending on the specific aspect of the person you want to emphasize.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "he is difficult"?

The phrase "he is difficult" can be used in various contexts, such as describing a colleague's behavior at work, a character's personality in literature, or an athlete's challenging playing style. It is important to consider the audience and the level of formality when using this phrase.

Is "he is difficult" a formal or informal way to describe someone?

"He is difficult" is generally considered a neutral way to describe someone. While not overly formal, it is suitable for professional and casual settings. However, avoid using it in contexts where bluntness could be offensive.

What does it mean when someone says "he is difficult"?

When someone says "he is difficult", it typically means that the person in question is challenging to deal with, understand, or work with. This could be due to various factors, such as personality traits, communication style, or behavior patterns. The exact meaning depends on the specific context.