is so difficult that

USAGE SUMMARY

"is so difficult that" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, "The exam content is so difficult that I'm not sure I can pass it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Enrichment is so difficult that successful production is quite valuable.

The New York Times - Science

This challenge is so difficult that it ties companies up in knots.

Harvard Business Review

But predicting the future is so difficult that such judgments are very arbitrary.

The Guardian

A Grand Slam is so difficult that winning all four majors at any time is a much-heralded accomplishment.

The New York Times - Sports

"Whenever something is so difficult that it's basically impossible to stage, they bring me in," she says.

The New York Times

But finding a good legal nanny is so difficult that many families are willing to break the law.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"In the last four years since the Great Recession, when fundraising has been so difficult, that's what we have focused on, completing all the design drawings," he said.

Los Angeles Times

It's so difficult that you forget praying.

The New York Times

I didn't expect it would be so difficult that the Aussies would fail.

Independent

Can tweeting really be so difficult that it must be explained in such terms?

The Guardian

The situation thus created was so difficult that government action followed.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is so difficult that", ensure that the 'that' clause clearly explains the consequence or result of the difficulty. This makes the sentence more impactful and informative.

Common error

Avoid using "is so difficult that" followed by a vague or unclear 'that' clause. For example, instead of "The problem is so difficult that it's hard", specify what makes it hard: "The problem is so difficult that it requires specialized knowledge to solve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is so difficult that" functions as an intensifier followed by a result clause. It emphasizes the high degree of difficulty of something and indicates a direct consequence or outcome. This is supported by examples found by Ludwig, which illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is so difficult that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a high degree of challenge along with its resultant consequences. Analysis shows its prevalence across diverse fields, including news, science, and formal business communications. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, and its frequent usage in authoritative sources underscores its reliability. When employing this phrase, ensure the subsequent 'that' clause provides a clear and specific consequence to maximize its impact. Be mindful of potentially vague 'that' clauses, and consider alternatives like "is so challenging that" or "presents a significant challenge" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is so challenging that

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the stimulating yet demanding nature of the task.

is so complex that

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex", highlighting the intricate and multifaceted nature of the problem.

is so arduous that

Uses "arduous" in place of "difficult", stressing the effort and endurance required.

is so troublesome that

Replaces "difficult" with "troublesome", focusing on the inconvenience and problems caused.

is nearly impossible

Indicates that the task is very close to impossible.

presents a significant challenge

Highlights the substantial difficulty as a "significant challenge".

poses considerable problems

Focuses on the problematic nature of the difficulty.

is fraught with difficulties

Emphasizes that the task is filled with many difficulties.

requires immense effort

Shifts the focus to the large amount of effort needed.

is a Herculean task

Implies that the task is extremely difficult, like the labors of Hercules.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is so difficult that" is used to express that something is extremely challenging, often leading to a specific consequence. For example, "The exam was "is so difficult that" many students failed".

What are some alternatives to "is so difficult that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is so challenging that", "is so complex that", or "presents a significant challenge". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is so difficult that"?

Yes, "is so difficult that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate the degree of difficulty and its consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness based on numerous examples.

What's the difference between "is difficult" and "is so difficult that"?

"Is difficult" simply states that something is not easy. "Is so difficult that" emphasizes the extreme degree of difficulty and introduces a consequence or result. For example, "The task is difficult" versus "The task "is so difficult that" it requires a team of experts".