is difficult to decipher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is difficult to decipher" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is hard to understand or interpret, such as text, symbols, or information. Example: "The ancient manuscript is difficult to decipher due to its faded ink and complex script."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Because of Timme's handwriting, the manuscript is difficult to decipher.

Columbia University

"It's a difficult phrase which is difficult to decipher," he says.

The Guardian

The image, which is difficult to decipher, looks like a bald eagle as roadkill.

The New York Times

The legal jargon, however, is difficult to decipher, and the policies have become increasingly vague.

The New York Times - Travel

It is difficult to decipher the "R" or the "M" or even what language it is.

The New York Times - Sports

The origin of sequences is difficult to decipher and remains somewhat uncertain.

Sedimentary Geology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The Marni show notes were difficult to decipher.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For many, it was difficult to decipher fact from fiction.

The New York Times

But the date incised on the stoneware was difficult to decipher.

The New York Times - Arts

Lyrics are difficult to decipher, but the music surges like an almighty epiphany.

The Guardian - Music

For now, though, Mr. Levy said, stock prices are difficult to decipher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is difficult to decipher" when you want to convey that something requires significant effort to understand or interpret due to complexity, ambiguity, or lack of clarity. It's suitable for describing texts, codes, intentions, or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "is difficult to decipher" when simpler alternatives like "is hard to understand" or "is unclear" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is difficult to decipher" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It expresses the characteristic of something being hard to understand or interpret. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is valid and usable in English, indicating its proper grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

32%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is difficult to decipher" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something challenging to understand or interpret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, it conveys a hurdle in comprehension. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, mastering its use enriches expression. Common errors include overuse in simple contexts, where clearer wording is preferable. Alternatives such as "is hard to understand" or "is challenging to interpret" can be used to fit different shades of meaning. When used appropriately, this phrase adds precision and clarity to complex subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is challenging to interpret

Emphasizes the interpretive challenge, suitable when dealing with ambiguous or symbolic content.

is not straightforward to decode

Highlights the decoding process involved, specifically in contexts like encrypted messages or complex systems.

is hard to understand

Focuses on the general difficulty in comprehending something, lacking the specific connotation of decoding or interpreting.

defies easy explanation

Highlights the difficulty in providing a simple or straightforward account.

is tough to make out

Emphasizes the effort required to perceive or discern something, implying faintness or ambiguity.

is not easily understood

Highlights the lack of ease in understanding, a more passive formulation.

resists interpretation

Suggests that the subject matter actively prevents or hinders interpretation.

is obscure and unclear

Emphasizes the lack of clarity, focusing on the impediments to interpretation.

is a puzzle to unravel

Uses a metaphor to describe the act of understanding as solving a puzzle.

is beyond comprehension

Indicates that something is impossible to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "is difficult to decipher" in a sentence?

Use "is difficult to decipher" to describe something that requires significant effort to understand. For example, "The handwriting on the ancient scroll "is difficult to decipher"."

What can I say instead of "is difficult to decipher"?

You can use alternatives like "is hard to understand", "is challenging to interpret", or "is not easily understood" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is difficult to decipher"?

It's appropriate when describing texts, codes, intentions, or situations where understanding requires overcoming significant complexity or ambiguity. For example, the motives of the character "are difficult to decipher".

What's the difference between "is difficult to decipher" and "is hard to understand"?

"Is difficult to decipher" implies a process of decoding or interpreting something complex or obscure. "Is hard to understand" is a more general term for something that is not easily comprehended. Deciphering suggests something encoded; understanding is more general.