Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's somewhat difficult
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
it is rather challenging
it is somewhat difficult
it's not exactly easy
it presents some difficulties
it poses a considerable problem
it is quite difficult
it requires significant effort
it is no easy task
it is quite brilliant
it presents significant challenges
it is quite possible
it is quite unconscionable
it is quite scary
it requires considerable effort
it is reasonably taxing
it is quite humbling
it is somewhat problematic
it is not a simple matter
it is quite humiliating
it is quite harsh
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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
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
It's somewhat difficult because the thing that has made all these guys great is their competitiveness.
News & Media
It's somewhat difficult for me here, but I'm trying to adapt as easily as possible.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
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
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
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
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
Dworkin's early proposals were very hypothetical and it was somewhat difficult to see what they meant in practice.
Science
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it is rather challenging
Uses a more formal tone suitable for academic or professional reporting.
it's relatively hard
Introduces a comparative element, suggesting difficulty in relation to something else.
it's a bit tough
More colloquial and informal, often used in spoken English or casual writing.
it is somewhat tricky
Suggests that the difficulty lies in complexity or nuance rather than brute effort.
it's not exactly easy
Employs litotes (understatement) to emphasize the difficulty through negation.
it is fairly complicated
Focuses specifically on the structural or technical complexity of the task.
it proves slightly arduous
Elevates the vocabulary to imply a greater physical or mental strain.
it's proving somewhat problematic
Shifts the focus from the act being 'hard' to the 'issues' it creates.
it's quite demanding
Increases the intensity of the perceived effort required.
it is marginally laborious
A very precise, almost clinical way to describe a slight increase in work required.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested