is specifically difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is specifically difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is particularly challenging or hard to accomplish. Example: "This task is specifically difficult due to the complex requirements involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In this domain, where both transmittance and reflectance of most materials are very low, the measurement of optical constants is specifically difficult, and optical data are consequently often either inexistent or uncertain.

Optics Communications

The differential diagnosing of MDD, GAD and SAD is specifically difficult in adolescence, since the diagnoses are highly co-morbid [ 47].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Also, HPV 18 infections have been described as being specifically difficult to detect histologically and may therefore lead to a false negative histological diagnosis [17].

Plosone

Risk estimation without prediction rules may be specifically difficult if several risk factors are only mildly or moderately elevated.

BMC Family Practice

Extremely different working habits, concerning for example usual length of consultations or participation in continuing medical education, were specifically difficult to deal with.

BMC Family Practice

This will occur under conditions where the rate of folding is slow, a result of proteins that are specifically difficult to fold, or a result of the overall ER folding capacity being saturated.

BMC Biology

This suggests that the component of preschool bullying not shared with other preschool difficult behaviors is specifically associated with aggressive conduct problems, and not with oppositional defiant behaviors.

Child Psychiatry and Human Development

Such differences could make a definitive compound identification difficult and this is specifically true if admixtures with other organics or minerals are present and band overlaps or interferences are observed.

Geochemical Transactions

It is specifically this claim that makes it difficult to see how dualist states can make a causal difference to the physical world.[12] It is sometimes suggested that physicalism about the mind can be vindicated by an "inference to the best explanation".

SEP

Nothing is specifically identifiable.

Independent

The coiled-coil motif has been extensively studied as a model system, and the coiled-coil domain of the yeast transcription factor GCN4 has been specifically utilized to stabilize difficult proteins for structural studies (reviewed in ref (44)).

Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is specifically difficult" when you want to emphasize that a particular aspect of something is challenging, not just the overall task. This adds precision to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is specifically difficult" in situations where a simpler phrase like "is hard" or "is challenging" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is specifically difficult" functions as a descriptor, pinpointing a particular aspect or reason for something being challenging. It adds precision by highlighting the specific nature of the difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is specifically difficult" serves to emphasize that something is particularly challenging due to identifiable reasons or conditions. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct. Predominantly found in scientific and formal contexts, this phrase aims to provide clarity and precision. Alternatives like "is particularly challenging" or "is especially hard" may be more appropriate for simpler scenarios. Overusing "is specifically difficult" can detract from clarity and make your writing sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is particularly challenging

Replaces "specifically difficult" with a more common synonym, focusing on the level of challenge.

is especially hard

Uses simpler vocabulary to express the high degree of difficulty.

poses unique challenges

Shifts the focus to the challenges presented rather than directly stating difficulty.

presents particular difficulties

Highlights the existence of specific obstacles or problems.

is notably complex

Emphasizes the complexity of the subject, implying difficulty.

is uniquely problematic

Focuses on the problematic nature and unusual quality of the difficulty.

is exceptionally demanding

Stresses the high demands and requirements involved.

is markedly intricate

Highlights the intricate and complicated aspects that make it difficult.

is distinctly arduous

Emphasizes the laborious and strenuous nature of the task.

is singularly taxing

Focuses on the burdensome and exhausting aspects of the difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "is specifically difficult" to highlight a particular challenge within a broader task. For example, "Measuring optical constants in this domain "is specifically difficult" because of the low transmittance and reflectance of materials".

What are some alternatives to "is specifically difficult"?

Consider alternatives like "is particularly challenging", "is especially hard", or "poses unique challenges" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "is specifically difficult"?

While not inherently redundant, ensure that the "specifically" adds value by pinpointing a particular aspect of the difficulty. Otherwise, a simpler phrase might be more effective.

What makes "is specifically difficult" different from "is generally difficult"?

"Is specifically difficult" implies that the difficulty is tied to a particular reason or aspect, whereas "is generally difficult" suggests overall hardship. Use "is specifically difficult" when you can identify the root cause of the challenge.