it's difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It's difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that an activity or task is challenging. For example: "Climbing that mountain is no easy feat; it's difficult!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's difficult.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's difficult to say.

Cornell University

It's difficult for me.

Princeton University

It's difficult in Lebanon.

Columbia University

It's difficult, we know!

University of California, Berkeley

"It's difficult to understand".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"But it was difficult.

The New York Times

Will it be difficult?

Independent

Yes, it was difficult.

The New York Times

Has it been difficult?

The New York Times

"It is difficult.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's difficult", follow up with a specific reason or explanation to provide context and clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it's difficult" without explaining why. Provide specific details about the challenges to make your statement more informative and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's difficult" primarily functions as a subjective comment, expressing a personal assessment of the degree of effort or skill needed to accomplish something. It acts as a descriptor of a situation or task, providing a concise evaluation of its challenging nature, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

27%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's difficult" is a versatile phrase used to express the presence of challenges or obstacles in various contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable, making it a staple in both formal and informal communication. While the phrase is straightforward, providing additional context can significantly enhance its impact and clarity. Its frequent appearance in news media and academic writing underscores its relevance and common usage across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's challenging

Emphasizes the stimulating and engaging aspect of the difficulty.

it's tough

Highlights the demanding and resilient nature required to overcome the obstacle.

it's hard

A more general term indicating considerable effort or resistance.

it's complex

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the situation.

it's problematic

Indicates that the difficulty arises from inherent issues or potential complications.

it's arduous

Stresses the laborious and exhausting nature of the task.

it's tricky

Highlights the need for careful and skillful handling.

it's demanding

Emphasizes the high requirements and expectations involved.

it's taxing

Focuses on the draining and burdensome aspect of the difficulty.

it's no walk in the park

An idiomatic expression conveying that something is far from easy.

FAQs

How can I use "it's difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "it's difficult" to express that something requires significant effort or skill. For example, "Learning a new language is exciting, but "it's difficult" at first".

What are some alternatives to saying "it's difficult"?

You can use alternatives such as "it's challenging", "it's tough", or "it's hard" to convey similar meanings with slight nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "it's difficult" in writing?

"It's difficult" is suitable in both formal and informal contexts when describing tasks, situations, or concepts that present significant challenges.

Is "it's difficult" too vague, and how can I make it more specific?

While "it's difficult" is widely understood, adding context makes it more impactful. Instead of just saying ""it's difficult"", specify what makes it so, like ""it's difficult" due to lack of resources".