is quite difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is quite difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that requires a lot of effort or has a high degree of difficulty. For example, "Learning a new language is quite difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But executing is quite difficult".

The New York Times

It is quite difficult to judge.

Independent

"Catherine is quite difficult to pigeonhole.

The Guardian

"Living is quite difficult," he confesses.

The Guardian - Film

It is quite difficult to adjust.

The Guardian

Isolating viable microglia from the brain is quite difficult.

Stanford University

"Achieving compliance in this industry is quite difficult".

The New York Times

The scientific method is quite difficult to use in economics.

The Economist

For most of us, such a transition is quite difficult.

Harvard Business Review

Life is quite difficult for Bana and Fatimeh.

The Guardian

"Raising the money is quite difficult in the current climate".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is quite difficult", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the subject difficult. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty unnecessarily. While "is quite difficult" indicates a significant challenge, using stronger phrases without justification can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is quite difficult" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or gerund, indicating the degree of effort or skill required. Ludwig AI shows that it is used to express that a particular task, concept, or situation presents a notable level of challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is quite difficult" is a common and acceptable way to express that something presents a notable challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, fitting well in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide enough context to clarify what makes the subject difficult, and avoid overstating the difficulty unnecessarily. Consider alternatives like "is rather challenging" or "presents considerable challenges" for variety. Remember that while the phrase is broadly applicable, adjusting your language to suit the specific audience and situation enhances clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rather challenging

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "quite" with "rather", slightly softening the statement.

presents considerable challenges

Shifts from a direct adjective to a noun phrase, emphasizing the challenges involved.

is substantially hard

Substitutes "difficult" with "hard" and "quite" with "substantially", increasing the intensity.

is notably complex

Replaces "difficult" with "complex", focusing on the intricacy rather than the hardship.

requires significant effort

Focuses on the effort needed rather than directly stating the difficulty.

is a tough undertaking

Uses a more informal tone, framing the task as a "tough undertaking".

is far from easy

Expresses difficulty by stating the opposite of easy.

poses a significant hurdle

Metaphorically describes the difficulty as a "hurdle" that needs to be overcome.

is no walk in the park

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is not easy.

demands a high degree of skill

Emphasizes the level of skill required, implying difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "is quite difficult" to describe tasks or concepts that require considerable effort or skill. For example, "Understanding quantum physics is quite difficult".

What are some alternatives to "is quite difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "is rather challenging", "presents considerable challenges", or "requires significant effort" depending on the specific context.

Is "is quite difficult" formal or informal?

"Is quite difficult" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific context when choosing your wording.

When should I use "is quite difficult" versus "is very difficult"?

"Is quite difficult" and "is very difficult" are similar, but "is very difficult" suggests a higher degree of difficulty. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the level of challenge involved. Also "is quite difficult" is more suited to a formal register while "is very difficult" is more generic.