it has been difficult to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it has been difficult to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particular situation that has been challenging or complicated. For example: "It has been difficult to find an effective solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has been difficult to perform tracheal allotransplantation without immunosuppression.

Asian Journal of Surgery

It has been difficult to keep a positive outlook.

The Washington Post

However, it has been difficult to discover novel neuroactive drugs.

Nature

"It has been difficult to find the balance," she said.

The New York Times

In painting this picture it has been difficult to convey all of these details.

Columbia University

However, it has been difficult to control the diameters of such tubes.

Harvard University

Until now, it has been difficult to disentangle the role of temperature and other risk factors.

University of California, Berkeley

It has been difficult to measure these components at the level of actionable units.

Harvard University

However, it has been difficult to machine titanium alloys through conventional processes.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

For some receptor subtypes it has been difficult to separate therapeutic benefit from undesirable side effects.

Current Opinion in Pharmacology

As the pathophysiology is still incompletely understood, it has been difficult to design effective prophylactic regimens.

Best Practice & Research Clinical Haematology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer active voice variations where possible, like "We found it difficult to implement the change".

Common error

While "it has been difficult to" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to a passive writing style. Consider rewriting the sentence in active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "It has been difficult to obtain the data", try "Obtaining the data has been a challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been difficult to" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for explaining a challenge or obstacle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to express complexity or hardship. It indicates that performing a specific action or achieving a certain outcome has not been easy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has been difficult to" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a challenge or obstacle. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of potential passivity and consider more direct, active voice alternatives when appropriate. Remember to specify the cause of the difficulty for clarity. By considering context and audience, you can effectively use this phrase to convey complexity and hardship in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has proven challenging to

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "been" with "proven", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the challenge.

it has been problematic to

Substitutes "difficult" with "problematic", highlighting the presence of issues causing the difficulty.

it has been hard to

Replaces "difficult" with "hard", using a simpler and more direct synonym.

it has been tough to

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", suggesting the situation requires considerable effort.

it has been an uphill battle to

Introduces an idiomatic expression indicating a prolonged and arduous struggle.

it has not been easy to

Uses a negation to express difficulty in a more understated manner.

challenges have arisen in

Shifts the focus to the challenges themselves rather than the difficulty experienced.

obstacles have hindered

Highlights the obstacles preventing progress.

progress has been impeded in

Emphasizes the slowing or prevention of progress due to difficulty.

achieving this has been arduous

Focuses on the strenuous nature of achieving a specific goal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it has been difficult to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it has proven challenging to" or "obstacles have hindered" depending on the specific context. These alternatives often add a level of sophistication suitable for academic or professional writing.

What are some synonyms for "difficult" in the phrase "it has been difficult to"?

Synonyms for "difficult" in this context include "hard", "tough", "challenging", "complex", and "problematic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "it has been difficult to"?

While grammatically correct, "it has been difficult to" often leads to passive voice. To strengthen your writing, consider using active voice alternatives. For example, instead of "It has been difficult to obtain the data", try "obtaining the data has been a challenge".

How does the context affect the choice of words when using "it has been difficult to"?

The context determines the most appropriate synonym for "difficult". In formal settings, "it has proven challenging to" may be suitable, while "it has been hard to" might be better for informal communication. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing.