inherently difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inherently difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is fundamentally or naturally challenging, regardless of external factors. Example: "Learning a new language can be inherently difficult for many people, especially if they have no prior experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is inherently difficult.

The Guardian

Violent protests are inherently difficult to read.

The Economist

"W.E.P. is inherently difficult to configure".

The New York Times - Tech

Moreover, record-keeping is inherently difficult.

The New York Times

People are inherently difficult to manage.

Harvard Business Review

To be sure, the military problem is inherently difficult.

The New York Times

Patriotism is an inherently difficult thing to quantify.

The Washington Post

Pursuing a merger or acquisition is inherently difficult.

Harvard Business Review

First, it is inherently difficult to measure progress in counterinsurgency warfare and nation-building efforts.

The New York Times

The accounts are accessible and engaging, achieving clarity without sacrificing inherently difficult content.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Coming last, he said, is an inherently difficult position to maintain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inherently difficult" when you want to emphasize that the difficulty is not due to external factors but is a fundamental aspect of the subject itself. For instance, say "solving this equation is inherently difficult" rather than "solving this equation is difficult" to emphasize the challenge is embedded in the equation's very nature.

Common error

Avoid using "inherently difficult" when the difficulty is situational or dependent on external circumstances. For example, don't say "using this software is inherently difficult" if the difficulty stems from poor documentation or lack of training, as those are external factors, instead you can consider "particularly difficult".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inherently difficult" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating that the subject it modifies possesses a fundamental or intrinsic level of difficulty. Ludwig's examples show it describing abstract concepts and practical tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inherently difficult" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight challenges that are fundamental or intrinsic to a subject, as opposed to those arising from external circumstances. It appears most often in "News & Media" and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "intrinsically challenging" and "essentially difficult". When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the difficulty genuinely stems from the nature of the subject and not from external factors. Ludwig's examples and the frequency of use across various sources demonstrate its versatility and reliability in professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrinsically challenging

Focuses on the challenge being a natural or essential part of something.

fundamentally challenging

Stresses the basic or foundational difficulty.

essentially difficult

Highlights the fundamental or core difficulty of something.

naturally difficult

Implies the difficulty arises from the inherent nature of something.

by its nature difficult

Highlights that the difficulty is a direct consequence of the subject's nature.

quintessentially difficult

Emphasizes the exemplary or typical nature of the difficulty.

problematical by nature

Similar to "inherently problematic" implying difficulty stems from its nature.

unavoidably challenging

Conveys that the challenge cannot be circumvented.

inescapably complex

Suggests the complexity, leading to difficulty, is unavoidable.

hardwired to be difficult

Metaphorically suggests the difficulty is built into the subject's very design.

FAQs

How can I use "inherently difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "inherently difficult" to describe something whose challenges are built-in or fundamental. For example, "Understanding quantum physics is inherently difficult because it defies common sense intuitions."

What are some alternatives to "inherently difficult"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "intrinsically challenging", "essentially difficult", or "naturally difficult".

Is it correct to say something is "inherently easy"?

Yes, you can use "inherently easy" to describe something that is naturally or fundamentally simple. For example, "Breathing is an inherently easy process for most people."

When should I use "inherently difficult" versus "very difficult"?

"Inherently difficult" emphasizes that the difficulty is a core characteristic of the subject itself. "Very difficult" simply indicates a high degree of difficulty, regardless of the source. Use "inherently difficult" when the difficulty is part of its nature or being, otherwise, use "very difficult".