is proving difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is proving difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or task that is becoming challenging or hard to manage. Example: "The project deadline is approaching, but coordinating with the different teams is proving difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such links propose a complicated relationship between proteins segregating at the IS and other cellular components which is proving difficult to dissect.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

That is proving difficult.

The Economist

This is proving difficult.

The Guardian - Books

Supply-side intervention is proving difficult.

The Economist

The strategy is proving difficult to execute.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr Wolf is proving difficult to attack.

The Economist

But that is proving difficult.

The New York Times

Concocting a conspiracy theory is proving difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

But the tritium is proving difficult to manage.

The New York Times

But finding a figure with broad appeal is proving difficult.

The New York Times

Insidious damage, that is proving difficult to repair.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is proving difficult" to describe situations where initial expectations of ease have not been met. It implies a degree of unexpected challenge.

Common error

While acceptable, substituting "is proving difficult" with simpler alternatives like "is hard" or "is tough" can enhance clarity and engagement, especially in less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is proving difficult" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a task, situation, or process is currently presenting challenges or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is proving difficult" is a versatile expression used to describe situations where challenges arise or tasks become more complex than initially anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, considering simpler alternatives in informal writing may enhance clarity. This phrase effectively conveys the evolving nature of a difficulty and is suitable for a broad range of professional and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is becoming challenging

Highlights the increasing difficulty over time.

is turning out to be hard

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the difficulty.

is presenting challenges

Focuses on the challenges being actively presented.

is posing problems

Indicates that problems are emerging as a result.

is encountering obstacles

Highlights the presence of obstacles that hinder progress.

is not straightforward

Underlines a lack of simplicity or directness.

is anything but easy

Emphasizes the absence of ease.

is a tough task

Identifies the activity as a demanding task.

is no walk in the park

Uses an idiom to convey that something is not easy.

is testing our limits

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the current limitations.

FAQs

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

Use "is proving difficult" to describe a task or situation that is more challenging than initially expected. For example, "Coordinating schedules "is proving difficult" with team members in different time zones."

What are some alternatives to "is proving difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "is becoming challenging", "is turning out to be hard", or "is presenting challenges" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is proving difficult" formal or informal?

"Is proving difficult" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more direct language might be preferable in very informal settings.

When is it best to use "is proving difficult" over other similar phrases?

Use "is proving difficult" when you want to emphasize that a situation's challenges have become apparent over time or are more significant than initially anticipated.