is so difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is so difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high level of difficulty regarding a task, situation, or concept. Example: "This math problem is so difficult that I can't figure it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is so difficult?

The New Yorker

But firing people is so difficult nowadays.

The Economist

But the language barrier is so difficult.

Princeton University

Life is so difficult and so hard!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Schoenberg is so difficult, you say.

The New York Times - Arts

In England, saving money is so difficult.

The Guardian

"It's the uncertainty that is so difficult.

The New York Times

It is so difficult in the camp.

The Guardian

And sometimes starting is so difficult.

The Guardian

The situation is so difficult here now.

The Guardian

"Their work is so difficult," they said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is so difficult", ensure the context clearly defines what is causing the difficulty. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is so difficult" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying "Life is so difficult", specify which aspects of life are challenging, such as "Balancing work and family is so difficult".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is so difficult" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase, used to attribute a high degree of difficulty to a noun or situation. Ludwig examples showcase its application in various contexts, from abstract concepts to tangible tasks, affirming its role in expressing the level of challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is so difficult" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a high degree of challenge or complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows for use across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, clarity is enhanced by specifying the cause of the difficulty. To avoid vagueness, consider using more precise alternatives like "presents such difficulty" or "is very challenging" when greater detail is required. Ludwig's analysis underscores the importance of contextual awareness for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is terribly challenging

Intensifies the level of difficulty, making it sound significantly more demanding than merely "difficult".

is proving to be challenging

Highlights the unfolding process of facing a challenge, suggesting that the difficulty is becoming increasingly apparent over time.

is no easy feat

Emphasizes that achieving something requires considerable effort and skill, implying it's far from simple or straightforward.

presents such difficulty

Emphasizes the act of posing a challenge, changing the focus slightly from the state of being difficult to the action of creating difficulty.

is a formidable task

Presents the challenge as a substantial undertaking, often implying that it requires significant effort and skill.

is extremely problematic

Shifts the focus from difficulty to the presence of problems or obstacles, which may or may not be directly related to skill or effort.

represents a major hurdle

Positions the challenge as an obstacle to be overcome, suggesting that it blocks progress or achievement.

poses considerable problems

Changes from describing a state to indicating that something actively creates or introduces substantial issues.

is quite complex

Focuses on the intricate or complicated nature of something rather than just its level of difficulty.

is remarkably intricate

Emphasizes the fine details and complexity, often implying a level of difficulty in understanding or dealing with those details.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is so difficult" is used to express a high degree of challenge. For instance, you might say, "Understanding quantum physics "is so difficult"" or "The mountain climb "is so difficult"".

What are some alternatives to "is so difficult"?

You can replace "is so difficult" with alternatives like "is very challenging", "presents such difficulty", or "is extremely problematic" depending on the context.

Is "is so difficult" formal or informal?

"Is so difficult" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer more precise or sophisticated alternatives, such as "presents a considerable challenge" or "poses considerable problems".

Which is more appropriate, "is so difficult" or "is very difficult"?

Both "is so difficult" and "is very difficult" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the desired emphasis. "Is so difficult" may imply a slightly stronger degree of difficulty than "is very difficult".