is difficult for

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "is difficult for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing a situation in which someone is having difficulty doing something or understanding something. For example: "Learning a new language is difficult for many students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is difficult for him".

The New Yorker

Even first class is difficult for me.

The New York Times

Everything is difficult for her husband, too.

Independent

But it is difficult for me.

Independent

Every match is difficult for us.

Independent

I know this is difficult for everyone.

The New Yorker

Almost every syllable is difficult for her.

The New York Times

It is difficult for outsiders to understand.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult for the drivers.

The Guardian

"Living in Mukuru is difficult for women".

The Guardian

Business is difficult for shopping centers today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is difficult for", ensure you clearly identify the subject experiencing the difficulty to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using plural verbs with singular subjects, as in "It are difficult for me". The correct form is "It is difficult for me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is difficult for" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular task, situation, or concept presents challenges or obstacles for a specified subject. It asserts the relative difficulty experienced by that subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is difficult for" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something presents challenges or obstacles for someone. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for use across news, science, and formal business settings. Remember to clearly identify the subject experiencing the difficulty for maximum clarity. Alternative phrases such as "is challenging for" or "poses a problem for" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is challenging for

This term is a direct synonym, conveying the act of being tested or pushed.

is a struggle for

This highlights the effort and difficulty involved in something.

is no easy task for

This suggests that something requires considerable effort and skill.

presents challenges for

This alternative emphasizes the existence of challenges rather than a state of difficulty.

is demanding for

This focuses on the high requirements and expectations involved.

creates obstacles for

This focuses on the creation of obstructions or impediments.

poses a problem for

This suggests that something creates an issue or obstacle.

is tough on

Similar to "is hard on", but with a slightly more informal tone.

is hard on

This implies a negative impact or strain on someone or something.

is an uphill battle for

This idiom indicates a particularly arduous and prolonged struggle.

FAQs

How do I use "is difficult for" in a sentence?

Use "is difficult for" to describe something that presents challenges or obstacles to someone or something. For example, "The exam "is difficult for" many students".

What are some alternatives to "is difficult for"?

You can use phrases like "is challenging for", "poses a problem for", or "presents challenges for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is difficult for me" or "is hard for me"?

Both "is difficult for me" and "is hard for me" are acceptable. "Is difficult for" might be perceived as slightly more formal, while "is hard for me" is more colloquial.

What's the difference between "is difficult for" and "is a difficulty for"?

"Is difficult for" describes something that presents challenges. "Is a difficulty for" indicates that something is a problem or challenge itself. For example, "The language barrier is difficult for new immigrants" versus "The language barrier is a difficulty for new immigrants".