is difficult enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is difficult enough' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is challenging or difficult. For example: "I found the math test challenging, but the science test is difficult enough that I'm not sure I'll be able to finish it in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is difficult enough.

The New York Times

It is difficult enough governing the present.

Independent

KNOWING our computers is difficult enough.

The New York Times

The problem is difficult enough already.

The New York Times

Board discussion of human rights is difficult enough.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That is difficult enough when someone is ill.

The Economist

EXTRACTING oil from Russia's inhospitable terrain is difficult enough.

The Economist

It is difficult enough to be injured or gravely ill.

The New York Times

Dealing with the trauma of rape is difficult enough.

The New York Times

Even knowing who is responsible for what is difficult enough.

The Economist

This course is difficult enough without that sort of nonsense".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is difficult enough" to acknowledge existing challenges before introducing additional factors that might exacerbate the situation. For example, "Managing a team is difficult enough without having to deal with constant technical issues."

Common error

Avoid using "is difficult enough" excessively in your writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging enough" or "demanding enough" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is difficult enough" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or situation to emphasize its inherent level of challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to highlight existing difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is difficult enough" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey that a situation or task is already considerably challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples from reputable sources. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "is challenging enough" for variety. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is challenging enough

Emphasizes the presence of a significant challenge, similar to "is difficult enough" but potentially highlighting the stimulating aspect of the difficulty.

is tough enough

Highlights the rigorous or demanding nature of something, implying resilience is needed.

is hard enough

A more direct synonym, stressing the laboriousness or effort required.

is complicated enough

Focuses on the intricacy and complexity involved, implying a need for careful analysis.

is complex enough

Similar to 'complicated enough' but may suggest a deeper, more fundamental level of intricacy.

is demanding enough

Stresses the high requirements and expectations involved.

is strenuous enough

Highlights the effort and energy required, often implying physical or mental exertion.

is taxing enough

Indicates that something places a significant burden or strain on resources.

is arduous enough

Implies a long and challenging journey or process.

is formidable enough

Focuses on the intimidating or daunting nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "is difficult enough" in a sentence?

Use "is difficult enough" to express that a task or situation is already challenging without adding further complications. For example, "Learning a new language "is difficult enough" without also trying to learn a new alphabet".

What are some alternatives to "is difficult enough"?

You can use alternatives such as "is challenging enough", "is tough enough", or "is hard enough" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is difficult enough"?

Yes, the phrase "is difficult enough" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is already considerably challenging.

What's the difference between "is difficult enough" and "is challenging enough"?

While both phrases convey that something presents a considerable level of effort, ""is difficult enough"" tends to emphasize the struggle, while "is challenging enough" can sometimes imply a more stimulating kind of difficulty.