is difficult to comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is difficult to comprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is hard to understand or grasp, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "The theory presented in the article is difficult to comprehend without prior knowledge of the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The size of the plane is difficult to comprehend.

The New York Times - Science

"It is difficult to comprehend why it is not possible at this stage of the playoffs".

The New York Times - Sports

For many scholars, the multidisciplinary way of studying religion is difficult to comprehend.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sheer size of the continent's growing army of unemployed workers is difficult to comprehend.

The Guardian - Opinion

The scale and gravity of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region is difficult to comprehend.

The Guardian

The phenomenon that is Martha Stewart is difficult to comprehend from afar.

The Guardian - Business

For one so full of life to pass away so young is difficult to comprehend.

The Guardian - Sport

It is difficult to comprehend the impact of Mr. Dylan's songs.

The New York Times

It is difficult to comprehend or convey the anger and crazy sense of misguided patriotism embraced by these people.

The New York Times

Like every protracted Internet war, the schism in Martin's fandom is difficult to comprehend from the outside.

The New Yorker

Their originality is difficult to comprehend now, because they have shaped the very way we visualise humans beneath their skin.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is difficult to comprehend", ensure that the context provides sufficient information to understand what exactly is challenging to grasp. Be specific rather than vague to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is difficult to comprehend" when simpler phrases like "is hard to understand" would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for more complex or abstract subjects where nuance is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is difficult to comprehend" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a challenge in understanding something. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English when describing something hard to understand or grasp, often in academic or formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is difficult to comprehend" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is challenging to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is most frequently used in News & Media and Science, indicating its suitability for describing complex topics. When writing, consider whether simpler alternatives might suffice in less formal situations. Remember to provide enough context to make clear what specifically is hard to grasp. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "is difficult to comprehend" to convey complexity and manage expectations for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is hard to understand

Simple substitution of synonyms, maintaining a very close semantic equivalence.

is challenging to grasp

Replaces "difficult to comprehend" with "challenging to grasp", indicating a demanding but achievable understanding.

is not easy to understand

Expresses the difficulty as a negation of ease, offering a straightforward alternative.

defies easy understanding

Highlights the resistance to simple understanding, adding a touch of emphasis.

presents a cognitive challenge

Frames the difficulty in academic or intellectual terms, focusing on the cognitive effort required.

is beyond my understanding

Shifts the focus to a personal lack of comprehension, suitable for expressing individual limitations.

is conceptually opaque

Uses more technical language to describe a lack of clarity or transparency in the concept itself.

is a tough concept to wrap your head around

Uses an idiomatic expression indicating a struggle to mentally process a complex idea.

is enigmatic

Suggests that something is mysterious and difficult to interpret, broadening the scope beyond mere comprehension.

is an intractable problem for understanding

This highlights not just difficulty but an apparent impossibility to comprehending the problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is difficult to comprehend" to sound less formal?

You can use phrases like "is hard to understand", "is tough to get", or "doesn't make sense" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "is difficult to comprehend" and "is impossible to comprehend"?

"Is difficult to comprehend" suggests that understanding is challenging but potentially achievable, while "is impossible to comprehend" implies that understanding is beyond reach, no matter the effort.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is difficult to comprehend" in writing?

Use "is difficult to comprehend" when discussing complex, abstract, or nuanced subjects where understanding requires significant effort or background knowledge. Avoid it in simple or straightforward contexts.

Are there any synonyms for "is difficult to comprehend" that maintain a formal tone?

Yes, consider using alternatives like "presents a cognitive challenge", "defies easy understanding", or "is conceptually opaque" to maintain a formal tone.