is especially difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

'is especially difficult' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is more difficult than usual. For example: The math equation in the final exam is especially difficult, so make sure you study hard to master it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

One point is especially difficult.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lebanon is especially difficult.

The New York Times - Books

2011 is especially difficult to sum up.

The New York Times - Food

Reaching young people is especially difficult.

The Economist

English is especially difficult in this regard.

The Guardian

Protecting tankers from pirates is especially difficult.

The New York Times

Drug discovery for Alzheimer's is especially difficult.

The New York Times

It is especially difficult because we write the dialogue separately.

The Guardian - Film

Compromise on this ideological question is especially difficult.

The New York Times

Saving for retirement is especially difficult for the young.

The New York Times

It is especially difficult with writers of humour.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is especially difficult", ensure the context clearly defines the specific aspect of the subject that makes it challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "is especially difficult" without providing specific reasons or examples to support the claim. Without context, the statement lacks informative value and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is especially difficult" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by ascribing to it a quality of heightened challenge or complexity. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable across diverse contexts. It serves to intensify the standard adjective "difficult", emphasizing a particular challenge. Ludwig examples showcase the phrase in sentences where a specific task or situation presents unique or significant obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is especially difficult" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote a heightened level of challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable across various contexts. It functions as a predicate adjective to emphasize the significant obstacles presented by a task or situation. Common in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for different writing styles. To ensure effective use, be specific about what makes something "especially difficult". Consider alternatives like "is particularly challenging" or "is notably problematic" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is particularly challenging

Emphasizes the specific challenge involved, offering a slightly more formal tone.

is notably problematic

Highlights the problematic nature of something, focusing on the issues it presents.

is remarkably tough

Stresses the toughness or resilience required, adding a sense of fortitude.

is severely demanding

Emphasizes the high demands placed on someone or something, intensifying the sense of difficulty.

is exceptionally arduous

Highlights the demanding nature and laboriousness.

presents considerable hurdles

Focuses on the obstacles involved, framing the difficulty as a series of challenges to overcome.

poses significant obstacles

Highlights the challenges and barriers involved.

is intensely complicated

Focuses on the complexity involved, highlighting the intricate nature of the subject.

requires substantial effort

Shifts the focus to the effort needed, implying that overcoming the difficulty will require significant exertion.

entails considerable struggle

Emphasizes the internal effort involved, highlighting the hardships faced when pursuing the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "is especially difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "is especially difficult" to emphasize a particular challenge. For example, "Understanding quantum physics is especially difficult without a strong foundation in mathematics."

What are some alternatives to saying "is especially difficult"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is particularly challenging", "is notably problematic", or "is remarkably tough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is especially difficult" formal or informal?

"Is especially difficult" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows for broad application across various writing styles.

What makes "is especially difficult" different from "is difficult"?

The addition of "especially" intensifies the degree of difficulty. While "is difficult" simply states a challenge, "is especially difficult" emphasizes that the challenge is significantly greater than usual.