is very difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe something that is hard to do or understand. For example, "The math problem is very difficult and I don't know how to solve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Length is very difficult.

The New Yorker

"But it is very difficult.

The New York Times

"Winning referendums is very difficult".

The Guardian

Water polo is very difficult.

The New York Times

"So this is very difficult.

The New York Times

My job is very difficult.

The New Yorker

It is very difficult to.

Independent

Rewriting Mamet is very difficult.

The New Yorker

But it is very difficult for me.

The New Yorker

Getting out by aeroplane is "very difficult".

The Economist

"Getting comedy right is very difficult indeed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is very difficult", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes it challenging. Being specific enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something "is very difficult" without explaining why. Instead, elaborate on the specific aspects that contribute to the difficulty, such as complexity, time constraints, or resource limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very difficult" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the quality or state of a subject as being challenging or hard to accomplish. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase qualifies various nouns, such as tasks, concepts, or situations. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very difficult" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that presents significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in writing. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals it appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business contexts, and to a lesser extent in Wiki and Science. When employing this phrase, it's best to provide context to clarify the source and nature of the difficulty. While alternatives like "is quite challenging" or "presents considerable challenges" can add nuance, "is very difficult" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to communicate a high degree of challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite challenging

Uses "challenging" instead of "difficult", softening the statement slightly.

is remarkably tough

Employs "tough" to underscore the resilience required to overcome the difficulty.

is exceptionally demanding

Replaces "difficult" with "demanding", focusing on the high requirements and effort needed.

presents considerable challenges

Replaces the direct statement with a more formal and descriptive expression.

is anything but easy

Uses a double negative to emphasize the difficulty, adding a touch of understatement.

poses a significant hurdle

Frames the difficulty as an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

is exceedingly complex

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex", highlighting the intricate nature of the subject.

is far from straightforward

Highlights that the subject lacks simplicity and requires careful navigation.

is notoriously problematic

Indicates that the difficulty is well-known and frequently encountered.

requires significant effort

Shifts the focus to the amount of effort needed to overcome the difficulty.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "is very difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite challenging", "presents considerable challenges", or "is exceedingly complex" depending on the context.

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

You can use "is very difficult" to describe a task, concept, or situation that presents significant challenges. For example, "Understanding quantum physics is very difficult", or "Negotiating peace in the region is very difficult".

Which is correct, "is very difficult" or "is so difficult"?

Both "is very difficult" and "is so difficult" are grammatically correct. "Is very difficult" is generally more formal and neutral, while "is so difficult" can be more emphatic and informal.

What makes "is very difficult" different from "is impossible"?

"Is very difficult" implies that a task or goal is challenging but potentially achievable with effort. "Is impossible" means that the task or goal cannot be achieved under any circumstances.