is difficult to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is difficult to understand' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a concept, idea, or situation that someone finds difficult to comprehend. Example sentence: The professor's lecture on quantum mechanics is difficult to understand.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is difficult to understand the league without understanding the C.B.A. first.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to understand Putin's organization without understanding its reliance on oil.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But the player is difficult to understand.

The New York Times - Sports

This reasoning is difficult to understand.

The New Yorker

His urgency is difficult to understand.

The New York Times

The easygoing reaction to Yoo is difficult to understand.

The New York Times

"It is difficult to understand how the D.O.E.

The New York Times

We should not be trying to create something that is difficult to understand".

The Guardian

Ana's speech is that of a much younger child, and she is difficult to understand.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is difficult to understand why policy on this issue is so passive.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is my first month and it is difficult to understand anything.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is difficult to understand", be specific about what makes it difficult. Instead of just stating something is hard to understand, explain the underlying reasons, such as complexity, lack of context, or technical jargon.

Common error

Avoid using "is difficult to understand" as a generic statement. Provide concrete details about what aspects are confusing or challenging. For instance, instead of saying "The report is difficult to understand", specify: "The report is difficult to understand because it lacks a clear executive summary and uses highly technical language."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is difficult to understand" functions as a subject complement, describing a quality or characteristic of the subject. It indicates a challenge in comprehension, as supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is difficult to understand" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a challenge in comprehension. As verified by Ludwig, it's prevalent across diverse contexts, including news, scientific research, and formal communication. While widely used, it's beneficial to specify why something is difficult to understand to provide more clarity. Alternatives like ""is hard to comprehend"" or ""is challenging to grasp"" offer nuanced ways to express the same sentiment. By understanding its function, purpose, and common pitfalls, writers can effectively use this phrase to communicate complex ideas and challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is hard to comprehend

Emphasizes the mental effort required to grasp the concept.

is challenging to grasp

Highlights the demanding nature of understanding something.

is not easy to follow

Focuses on the difficulty in tracking or comprehending a process or explanation.

is tough to make sense of

Highlights the struggle to find meaning or coherence.

is obscure and confusing

Points out the lack of clarity and the resulting bewilderment.

is beyond my comprehension

Indicates a limit to one's ability to understand something.

is unintelligible

States that something is impossible to understand.

lacks clarity

Focuses on the absence of clear and easily understood information.

defies understanding

Suggests that something is inherently resistant to being understood.

is a puzzle

Presents the subject as a riddle or enigma that needs to be solved.

FAQs

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

You can use "is difficult to understand" to describe something that's hard to grasp. For example, "The concept of quantum entanglement "is difficult to understand" without a background in physics".

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

Alternatives include "is hard to comprehend", "is challenging to grasp", or "is not easy to follow", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is difficult to understand" or "is hard to understand"?

Both "is difficult to understand" and "is hard to understand" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "Difficult" is generally perceived as slightly more formal than "hard", but the choice often depends on the context and personal preference.

What makes something "difficult to understand"?

Things can be "difficult to understand" due to various reasons, such as complexity, abstractness, lack of context, technical jargon, or poor explanation. Identifying the specific reason can help in clarifying and simplifying the subject matter.