is difficult to handle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is difficult to handle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation, object, or person that presents challenges or complications in management or control. Example: "The new software update is difficult to handle, causing confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Cesium is difficult to handle because it reacts spontaneously in air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pressure is difficult to handle but our supporters were unbelievable".

The Guardian - Sport

"Twenty-two points in 16 minutes is difficult to handle," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to handle that, and one way of handling it is to mock them.

The Guardian

Hydrogen, which can be made electrolytically from water and used to power fuel cells, is difficult to handle.

The Economist

However, gas is unlike most commodities, for it is difficult to handle and costly to store and transport.

The Economist

Multimedia big data is difficult to handle because of its enormous amount and the elusive property of underlying information.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Gelatin film alone without nanofiber reinforcement is difficult to handle due to the weakness of the thin membrane.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was difficult to handle the chemicals without getting poisoned.

The New Yorker

Even so, the ordeal has been difficult to handle.

The New York Times

Disadvantage: Large pots are difficult to handle and messy.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task or project that requires specific expertise, use "is difficult to handle" to underscore the need for skilled professionals.

Common error

Avoid using "is difficult to handle" for situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. Opt for simpler language when the context doesn't warrant a strong emphasis on difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is difficult to handle" functions as a descriptive phrase, characterizing something as presenting challenges in its management or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is difficult to handle" is a versatile expression used to describe situations, objects, or people that present management or control challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, especially in science and news. It's generally neutral in register, making it widely applicable, though careful consideration of simpler alternatives is advisable in less complex scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is challenging to manage

Replaces "difficult to handle" with a more direct synonym for both difficulty and the act of managing.

is hard to control

Emphasizes the lack of control over the subject, suggesting difficulty in managing it.

is not easy to deal with

Uses a more informal tone, replacing "difficult" with "not easy".

presents a challenge

Highlights the problematic nature of the issue without explicitly mentioning handling.

requires careful management

Emphasizes the need for cautious and precise management, implying difficulty.

poses significant problems

Shifts the focus from handling to the problems that arise from the subject.

is complex to address

Focuses on the complexity of addressing the issue rather than the difficulty in handling it.

is tough to navigate

Suggests that the difficulty lies in navigating or maneuvering through a situation.

is unwieldy

Implies that something is difficult to handle because of its size, shape, or complexity.

is a tricky situation

Highlights the situation as problematic and needing careful handling.

FAQs

What does "is difficult to handle" mean?

The phrase "is difficult to handle" means something presents significant challenges or complexities in managing or controlling it. It suggests that special care, skill, or resources may be required.

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

You can use alternatives like "is challenging to manage", "presents a challenge", or "requires careful management" depending on the context.

Is "is difficult to handle" formal or informal?

The phrase "is difficult to handle" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives such as "presents a challenge".

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

You can use "is difficult to handle" to describe a situation, object, or person that presents challenges. For example, "The new software update is difficult to handle, causing confusion among the team members".