it gets difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it gets difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that becomes challenging or complicated over time. Example: "At first, the project seemed manageable, but as we delved deeper, it gets difficult to keep track of all the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

One of its supposed advantages is precisely that it "gets difficult jobs done more efficiently".

The Economist

It gets difficult to enjoy the view.

The New York Times - Books

"When you don't perform... that's when it gets difficult".

Independent

When it gets difficult, you've got to be honest.

The Guardian

In those cases it gets difficult to bring them back and put them on trial.

The New York Times

Group talk is a way of achieving this, although it gets difficult once you get beyond the group of four.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It got difficult for both of us.

Independent

"It got difficult again when 3G came along," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

"We used to share but with work it got difficult," he tells me.

The Guardian

She was, she says, "but I knew Sam first so it got difficult".

The Guardian - Arts

"When he fell off, that's when it got difficult," says Rocky. "It just quickly switched to the worst predicament".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it gets difficult", consider adding context to clarify the specific aspect becoming challenging. For instance, specify if it's difficult to manage, understand, or implement something.

Common error

Avoid using "it gets difficult" without specifying what "it" refers to. Ensure the subject is clear to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of "It gets difficult", say "Managing the budget gets difficult".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it gets difficult" functions as a descriptor indicating that a situation or task is evolving into a more challenging state. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatile usage across different contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and common acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it gets difficult" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations that are becoming challenging. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media and wiki sources. To enhance clarity, remember to provide context regarding what "it" refers to. Consider alternatives like "it becomes challenging" for more formal settings or ""it turns tough"" for a more informal tone. Overall, this phrase is a versatile tool for expressing increasing complexity or adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it becomes challenging

Replaces "gets" with "becomes", slightly more formal.

it turns tough

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", making it more informal.

it starts to be a struggle

Expresses the difficulty as a struggle, emphasizing effort.

it poses a challenge

Frames the situation as a challenge, slightly more formal.

things get complicated

Focuses on the increasing complexity of the situation.

the situation deteriorates

Indicates a worsening condition, implying difficulty.

it presents obstacles

Highlights the presence of barriers making progress difficult.

problems arise

Focuses on the emergence of issues causing difficulty.

it proves arduous

Replaces "difficult" with "arduous", creating a more formal and emphatic tone.

it is no longer easy

Directly states the lack of ease, emphasizing the change in difficulty.

FAQs

What does "it gets difficult" mean?

The phrase "it gets difficult" means a situation or task is becoming challenging or complicated.

How can I use "it gets difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "it gets difficult" to describe when a task or situation starts to pose problems or obstacles. For example, "The project was simple at first, but "it gets difficult" as we added more features".

What are some alternatives to "it gets difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "it becomes challenging", "it turns tough", or "it starts to be a struggle".

Is "it gets difficult" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it gets difficult" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.