Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
indeed more difficult
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "indeed more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is indeed harder than previously stated or assumed. Example: "The task was indeed more difficult than I had anticipated, requiring more time and effort."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
The two international organization heads heard in the meeting that the production of swine flu vaccine is indeed more difficult than the original estimate.
News & Media
In particular, through rigorous measurement approaches, it is possible to examine two of the fundamental notions about two-tier items and students' responses: (1) whether the traits assessed by the first and second tiers are distinguishable yet related, and (2) whether the second tier is indeed more difficult than the first tier.
Under the weak formulation in (Pham and Zhang 2014), the controls α,β are feedback type and thus depend on ω 1,ω 2. Then we don't have a simple estimate like (61), and the regularity of u 0 is indeed more difficult to establish.
"But reading the book back for edits was very difficult indeed; more difficult than writing the book".
News & Media
And if media and blog attention is a measure, it seems those compromises are indeed more difficult for others.
News & Media
It is indeed more difficult to work with variances of ratios, but other statistical methods can be used.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
"I find it difficult to believe, indeed more than difficult, having lived here all my life and being part of everything that has happened here, that the black family protects the rapist because he's one of them," she said.
News & Media
Word to the younger (that is, below, say, 55) woman: this foray into the unexplored world of the "older" woman trying to find a dress, while welcome, didn't even discuss the accompanying — indeed, even more difficult — world of the shoe to accompany the dress.
News & Media
This is indeed a more difficult task than simply increasing the maximum peak over 1 T.
Science
Ultimately though, neurology as a sub-specialty may indeed be more difficult than other subjects and teachers must simply take the time and use all resources available to ensure adequate learning takes place.
Science
Britain may be forced to recognise sooner rather than later that by embracing the self-fulfilling prophecy of Eurosceptic rhetoric – that Europe has it in for us – Europe and the world has indeed become a more difficult place for the UK to exert its influence.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "indeed more difficult", ensure that the context clearly establishes a previous assumption or expectation, making the contrast more impactful.
Common error
Avoid using "indeed more difficult" as a mere filler phrase. Ensure it genuinely adds emphasis and isn't just a redundant addition to your sentence. Replace with alternatives like "more challenging" or "more complex" if emphasis is not required.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "indeed more difficult" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It serves to intensify the degree of difficulty, confirming and emphasizing that something is not just difficult, but significantly so. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.
Frequent in
Science
43%
News & Media
43%
Encyclopedias
14%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "indeed more difficult" is an adverbial phrase used to emphasize that something is significantly more challenging than initially perceived. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to use the phrase judiciously to avoid redundancy and ensure it genuinely adds emphasis to your writing. Consider alternatives such as "genuinely tougher" or "actually harder" for nuanced variations.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
genuinely tougher
Emphasizes the authentic or real nature of the difficulty, rather than just acknowledging it.
actually harder
Highlights the reality of the increased difficulty, often in contrast to a previous expectation.
veritably challenging
Indicates a true and significant level of challenge.
truly more complex
Focuses specifically on the increased complexity rather than just general difficulty.
substantially more demanding
Suggests a significant increase in the effort or resources required.
undeniably trickier
Implies that the difficulty is not only present but also impossible to deny.
assuredly more intricate
Emphasizes the certainty of the increased intricacy or detail involved.
certainly more problematic
Highlights the problematic or troublesome aspects of the increased difficulty.
plainly more arduous
Indicates that the increased difficulty is obvious or evident.
unquestionably more taxing
Stresses the indisputable nature of the increased burden or strain.
FAQs
How can I effectively use "indeed more difficult" in a sentence?
Use "indeed more difficult" to emphasize a task, situation, or concept that has proven to be more challenging than initially expected. For example, "The project was "indeed more difficult" than we anticipated, requiring additional resources and time."
Are there alternative phrases to "indeed more difficult" that I can use?
Yes, you can use alternatives like "genuinely tougher", "actually harder", or "truly more complex" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
When is it appropriate to use "indeed more difficult" in writing?
It is appropriate when you want to highlight a contrast between an initial perception or expectation and the actual level of difficulty encountered. Use it to add emphasis and provide a stronger sense of the challenge involved.
What's the difference between "more difficult" and ""indeed more difficult""?
The addition of "indeed" intensifies the statement, emphasizing that the difficulty is not just present but also significantly greater than previously thought. "More difficult" is a general statement, while ""indeed more difficult"" adds an element of surprise or realization.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested