is difficult to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is difficult to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a concept, idea, or situation that is complex or challenging to articulate clearly. Example: "The theory of relativity is difficult to explain to someone without a background in physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is difficult to explain why.

The New York Times

It is difficult to explain".

The Guardian - Sport

Villas-Boas said: "It isaidffItult to explais.

Independent

This relative lack of popular opposition is difficult to explain.

The Guardian - Opinion

The notion of this multilayered city is difficult to explain.

The New York Times

Pellegrini says it is difficult to explain his success.

The Guardian - Sport

It is difficult to explain our apathy and our stupidity.

The Guardian

It is difficult to explain this to people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The mood at the moment is difficult to explain.

The Guardian

"It is difficult to explain how it worked," he says.

The Guardian

Aurelio added: "It is difficult to explain how we feel.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is difficult to explain", follow it with a reason or context to provide more clarity to the reader. For example, "The phenomenon is difficult to explain due to the limited available data."

Common error

Avoid using "is difficult to explain" as a standalone statement. Always follow it with an attempt to provide some understanding or acknowledge the complexity of the subject. Otherwise, it comes across as vague and unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is difficult to explain" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, expressing the inherent challenge or complexity in articulating a particular subject, concept, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is difficult to explain" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a complex or challenging topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting its versatility across formal and informal registers. When using it, remember to provide context and avoid vague standalone statements. Alternatives like "is hard to understand" or "is challenging to articulate" offer subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its nuances, you can use "is difficult to explain" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is challenging to articulate

Highlights the difficulty in expressing something clearly.

is not easily put into words

Emphasizes the struggle to verbalize something.

is hard to understand

Focuses on the comprehension aspect rather than the explanation itself.

defies simple explanation

Indicates that a straightforward explanation is impossible.

is not easy to clarify

Emphasizes the lack of ease in making something clear.

is complex to describe

Shifts the focus to the complexity of the description.

is not readily explainable

Suggests explanation is possible, but not without effort.

is tough to elucidate

Uses a more formal word for explaining, 'elucidate'.

is beyond simple comprehension

Highlights difficulty in understanding.

is intricate and hard to clarify

Combines the complexity and lack of clarity.

FAQs

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

Use "is difficult to explain" when you want to acknowledge that something is complex or challenging to articulate clearly. For example, "The nuances of quantum physics "is difficult to explain" without a strong mathematical background."

What are some alternatives to "is difficult to explain"?

You can use alternatives like "is hard to understand", "is challenging to articulate", or "is not easily put into words" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is difficult to explain" or "is difficult explaining"?

"Is difficult to explain" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Is difficult explaining" is grammatically incorrect.

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

The difference is minimal. "Is hard to explain" is slightly more informal, while "is difficult to explain" sounds a bit more formal. They are largely interchangeable.