is very difficult to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very difficult to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a concept, idea, or situation that is complex or challenging to articulate clearly. Example: "The theory of relativity is very difficult to explain to someone without a background in physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But it is very difficult to explain to people".

The Guardian

"It is very difficult to explain," he said.

Independent

Moyes added: "The pitch is very difficult to explain.

Independent

It is very difficult to explain this final part of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a complex issue that is very difficult to explain after so many years".

The Guardian

It is very difficult to explain in layman's terms how this happens or what a conductor does.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"It's very difficult to explain to them".

The New York Times

"It's very difficult to explain," Mrs. Samii said.

The New York Times

"It's very difficult to explain this to the world because it's all about slogans".

The New York Times

It would be "very difficult to explain" why wealthy pensioners should be immune from cuts.

The Guardian

That's very difficult to explain to people in a democracy who should trust us".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the phrase with a rationale. Instead of simply stating something is difficult to explain, briefly hint at why. This adds value to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is very difficult to explain" as a conversational dead end. If you introduce a topic as hard to explain, make sure to offer at least some clarifying information or direct the audience to resources that can help them understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very difficult to explain" functions as a qualifier, preceding a description of something complex or abstruse. It serves as an introductory remark signaling that the subsequent explanation may be challenging to grasp. Ludwig AI considers this phrase correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very difficult to explain" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signals complexity, preparing the audience for a potentially challenging explanation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly acceptable. It appears commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its utility in discussing intricate subjects. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to provide supporting context and tailor your language to your audience, avoiding overuse without offering clarifying information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is challenging to articulate

Highlights the difficulty in expressing the idea clearly.

is hard to put into words

Focuses on the struggle to find the right language.

is not easy to make clear

Emphasizes the simplicity of the explanation.

defies simple explanation

Suggests that the concept is inherently complex and resists simplification.

is tricky to make sense of

Emphasizes the cognitive effort required to understand the matter.

presents considerable difficulty in clarifying

Highlights the effort required to make something understandable.

poses a significant challenge to elucidate

Uses more formal and academic language; emphasizes the intellectual challenge of explaining.

is almost impossible to describe

Emphasizes the extreme difficulty, suggesting it may be beyond description.

resists straightforward interpretation

Suggests an inherent ambiguity or complexity that makes interpretation difficult.

is tough to comprehend fully

Shifts the focus to the difficulty of understanding rather than explaining.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is very difficult to explain" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "poses a significant challenge to elucidate" or "presents considerable difficulty in clarifying". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing.

What's a simpler way to say "is very difficult to explain"?

You could say "is hard to put into words" or "is not easy to make clear". These options are more conversational and easier to understand.

Is it better to say "is very difficult to explain" or "is almost impossible to describe"?

The choice depends on the degree of difficulty. "Is very difficult to explain" suggests complexity, while "is almost impossible to describe" implies a nearly insurmountable challenge in articulation.

When should I use "is very difficult to explain" instead of just trying to explain the thing?

Use "is very difficult to explain" when acknowledging the inherent complexity of a topic upfront. It sets expectations and prepares the audience for a potentially challenging explanation that follows.