how difficult it is to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how difficult it is to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an introductory phrase that can be used when discussing a challenge or task. Example: "I had no idea how difficult it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

People know how difficult it is to get in here".

The New York Times

That shows you how difficult it is to win here".

The New York Times - Sports

No matter how difficult it is to forget the past.

The Guardian - Sport

We know how difficult it is to rebuild credibility.

The Guardian - Sport

"I know how difficult it is to get these internships".

The New York Times

It's about how difficult it is to live with somebody.

The New York Times - Magazine

General Pinochet's case has shown just how difficult it is to mount such a prosecution.

The Economist

/ How difficult it is to be human, even worse is living a human's life.

The New Yorker

Comment about how difficult it is to be an ex-Soviet citizen.

The New Yorker

"It will show people how difficult it is to sing opera," she said.

Independent

Otherwise you won't understand how difficult it is to build democracy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "how difficult it is to", ensure the sentence clearly states what specific task or situation is challenging. This provides context and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "how difficult it is to" without a specific subject or action. Ensure the sentence provides enough information so readers understand what presents the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how difficult it is to" functions as a relative clause introducing a statement about the degree of difficulty associated with a particular action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how difficult it is to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction for expressing the challenges associated with a particular task. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is perfectly acceptable. Its prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy and widespread understanding. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the subject and action are well-defined to avoid vagueness. Consider related phrases like "how challenging it can be to" or "the difficulty of" for stylistic variation. Ultimately, understanding the inherent challenges is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how challenging it can be to

Emphasizes the level of challenge involved.

the difficulty of

Focuses on the abstract noun 'difficulty' rather than the clause structure.

how tough it is to

Uses the more informal term 'tough' to convey difficulty.

the complexities involved in

Highlights the multifaceted nature of the difficulty.

what a struggle it is to

Emphasizes the effort required.

how arduous it is to

Uses a more formal term 'arduous' to convey difficulty.

how hard it is to

Uses the more basic term 'hard' to convey difficulty.

the uphill battle of

Metaphorically describes the difficulty as a struggle.

the near impossibility of

Suggests something is extremely difficult to achieve.

the trickiness of

Focuses on the subtle and potentially deceptive nature of the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "how difficult it is to" in a sentence?

You can use "how difficult it is to" to introduce a statement about a challenging task, for example, "I now understand "how difficult it is to" learn a new language".

What are some alternatives to saying "how difficult it is to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "how challenging it can be to", "the difficulty of", or "how tough it is to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "how difficult it is to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "how difficult it is to" as part of a larger sentence, often as an introductory clause or within a statement expressing a realization or understanding.

What's the difference between "how difficult it is to" and "how difficult it was to"?

The difference lies in the tense. "How difficult it is to" refers to a current or general difficulty, while "how difficult it was to" refers to a past difficulty.