is getting difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"is getting difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an activity or task that is becoming increasingly more difficult. For example, "Learning a new language is getting difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"The math is getting difficult," he said.

The New York Times

In this regard it is getting difficult not to simply feel pity for Dole.

The New Yorker

"Magazines are so big now it is getting difficult to carry them around," Ms. Betts said.

The New York Times

"When it is getting difficult it is more important than ever to stick to some principles".

The Guardian

It is getting difficult to see how I can contribute now as I can't play next week against Villa, because of the loan.

The Guardian - Sport

Scott Hayner, sales manager for KOMO-TV in Seattle, said that it is "getting difficult, getting extremely difficult" for some political groups to get the air time they want.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Life was getting difficult, he acknowledged.

The New York Times - Magazine

Holding the line was getting difficult.

The Guardian

I think that's where it's getting difficult.

Cornell University

It's getting difficult because traffic's gone up 200 per cent.

Independent

It's getting difficult to keep track of Douglas Rodriguez.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is getting difficult", ensure the subject of the sentence is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what task, situation, or activity is becoming challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "is getting difficult" as a standalone statement without providing context. Instead, explain why something is becoming difficult to provide more informative and compelling content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is getting difficult" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of increasing challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is getting difficult" is a versatile expression used to describe a state of increasing challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news reporting to formal business settings, and serves to convey a subjective assessment about a situation's growing difficulty. When employing this phrase, it is advisable to provide clear context and avoid vague language to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "is becoming challenging" or "is proving troublesome" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate the evolving nature of challenges in a wide array of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is becoming challenging

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", a synonym that emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation.

is proving troublesome

Substitutes "getting difficult" with "proving troublesome", highlighting the problematic aspect.

is turning problematic

Changes the focus to the emergence of problems, using "turning problematic" in place of "getting difficult".

is escalating in difficulty

Emphasizes the increasing nature of the difficulty, adding intensity to the original phrase.

is posing a challenge

Rephrases the difficulty as something actively presenting a challenge, changing the sentence structure.

is not getting any easier

Uses a negative construction to express the same idea, focusing on the lack of improvement.

is becoming increasingly complex

Shifts the focus from difficulty to complexity, suggesting intricate challenges.

is starting to wear

Highlights the draining effect of the difficulty, emphasizing its impact.

is stretching resources

Focuses on the strain the difficulty is placing on available resources.

is reaching a breaking point

Indicates that the difficulty is nearing a critical level, suggesting potential failure.

FAQs

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

Use "is getting difficult" to describe a situation that's becoming more challenging. For example, "Maintaining focus is getting difficult with all the distractions".

What are some alternatives to "is getting difficult"?

Consider alternatives like "is becoming challenging", "is proving troublesome", or "is turning problematic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is getting difficult" and "was getting difficult"?

"Is getting difficult" refers to a present or ongoing situation. "Was getting difficult" refers to a situation that was increasing in difficulty in the past, for example "was getting difficult" to attract sponsors.

Is "is getting difficult" formal or informal?

"Is getting difficult" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall context.