is more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the difficulty of two or more tasks, situations, or concepts. Example: "Learning a new language is more difficult than mastering basic math skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is more difficult.

The Economist

Zone is more difficult.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is more difficult.

Independent

Tone regulating is more difficult….

The New Yorker

"Wood is more difficult".

The New York Times

This is more difficult.

The Guardian - Books

Portrayal is more difficult.

The Guardian

Here that is more difficult to achieve.

The Guardian

This is more difficult than it sounds.

The New Yorker

Playwriting, however, is more difficult for me.

The New Yorker

Cutting the work force is more difficult.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing difficulties, ensure that the objects being compared are clearly defined. For example, instead of saying "This is more difficult", specify "This task is more difficult than the previous one."

Common error

Avoid using "is more difficult" without specifying what the subject is more difficult than. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity. Always provide a clear point of reference for the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is more difficult" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It expresses that one thing possesses a greater degree of difficulty than another. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English, for example: "Learning a new language is more difficult than mastering basic math skills."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is more difficult" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase used to express that one thing presents a greater degree of challenge than another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic writing, the phrase serves to compare tasks, concepts, and situations, setting expectations and providing insight into relative demands. Remember to specify the objects being compared to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "presents a greater challenge" or "requires more effort" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is considerably harder

Highlights a significant increase in difficulty.

is substantially tougher

Implies a robust level of difficulty.

requires more effort

Focuses on the increased exertion needed to accomplish it.

presents a greater challenge

Emphasizes the challenging aspect, focusing on the obstacle it poses.

is more demanding

Emphasizes the higher requirements and expectations.

poses a greater problem

Focuses on the problematic nature and increased severity.

is a bigger struggle

Conveys a sense of hardship and effort involved.

is a greater undertaking

Suggests a more significant commitment and investment of resources.

is a steeper climb

Metaphorically suggests a challenging ascent or process.

is more intricate

Highlights complexity and attention to detail required.

FAQs

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

Use "is more difficult" to compare the relative difficulty of two tasks or concepts. For example, "Quantum physics is more difficult than classical mechanics."

What's a good alternative to "is more difficult"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "presents a greater challenge", "is considerably harder", or "requires more effort".

Is it correct to say "more difficult" or should I use "difficultier"?

"More difficult" is the correct comparative form. "Difficultier" is not a recognized word in standard English.

What is the difference between "is more difficult" and "is challenging"?

"Is more difficult" implies a comparison, suggesting something is harder than something else. "Is challenging" simply indicates that something presents a degree of difficulty, without necessarily making a comparison.