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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it's somewhat difficult

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

MS: It's somewhat difficult to evaluate Sasamoto's installation, Strange Attractors, without viewing one of her performances, but I've heard good things -- and the Whitney's online video indicates a quizzical, whimsical take on topics domestic and metaphysical.

News & Media

Huffington Post

At first glance, it's somewhat difficult to discern whether the artist's creations stem from a genuine desire to enhance the mobile experience or from a more cynical and critical lens on contemporary phone culture.

News & Media

Vice

It's somewhat difficult because the thing that has made all these guys great is their competitiveness.

It's somewhat difficult for me here, but I'm trying to adapt as easily as possible.

It's somewhat difficult to get used to this medium, but with a little patience and a lot of talent, you can create beautiful drawings.

The most glaring drawback is that it's somewhat difficult to learn because it has a ton of features and a syntax with which some programmers might not be familiar, he says.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

As many columnists have already noted, it is somewhat difficult to gauge Obama's current position on gun control as there is no information about this volatile subject on his otherwise comprehensive website.

News & Media

The New York Times

If it was somewhat difficult to imagine Rashad's Lena riding public transportation to work, it's easy to picture Jackson's character on the bus after a long day of cleaning house.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Apparently, it is somewhat difficult for the President's critics, who have not walked in his shoes or experienced his history to understand how you can love our country but still call on it every day to display equality, fairness and justice for all.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Yet even as he prepares to return to his country, he continues to seem so oddly detached and indifferent, not to his country's fate, but to his own, that it is somewhat difficult imagining him boarding the plane.

News & Media

The New York Times

Dworkin's early proposals were very hypothetical and it was somewhat difficult to see what they meant in practice.

Science

SEP
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when you want to hedge a criticism or provide a nuanced observation. It allows you to acknowledge a hurdle without sounding overly pessimistic or discouraging.

Common error

Do not use this phrase if the task is genuinely impossible. Saying something is 'somewhat difficult' implies that it can be achieved with effort. If it truly cannot be done, use more definitive terms like 'unfeasible' or 'impossible' to maintain clarity.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's somewhat difficult" functions as a predicative expression where the dummy subject 'it' is followed by a contracted copula, a quantifying adverb 'somewhat', and a head adjective. According to Ludwig, this structure is used to moderate a claim.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it's somewhat difficult" is a robust and widely accepted expression in modern English. Ludwig AI data indicates it is a standard choice for journalists and researchers who need to describe obstacles with precision. By using the adverb 'somewhat', writers can successfully avoid hyperbole while still identifying significant hurdles. It is a 'Correct' and effective tool for balancing a professional tone with realistic assessments.

FAQs

How to use "it's somewhat difficult" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a complication, for example: "While the software is powerful, "it's somewhat difficult" to master the advanced features without training."

What can I say instead of "it's somewhat difficult"?

Depending on your context, you can use alternatives like "it is rather challenging", "it's relatively hard", or "it is somewhat tricky".

Is "it's somewhat difficult" formal enough for an essay?

Yes, although in very formal academic writing, it is often better to avoid the contraction and write "it is somewhat difficult" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "it's somewhat difficult" and "it's quite difficult"?

The main difference is intensity; "it's quite difficult" suggests a higher level of challenge, whereas "somewhat" acts as a moderate qualifier, making the statement milder.

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: