it has been extremely difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been extremely difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a significant level of challenge or hardship experienced over a period of time. Example: "Throughout the past few months, it has been extremely difficult to manage the workload while also dealing with personal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It has been extremely difficult and troublesome.

The New York Times

"It has been extremely difficult at times and frustrating.

The Guardian - Sport

Although at times it has been extremely difficult, I have never lost touch with that promise I made to myself.

The New York Times

"One of the points we all recognize is that it has been extremely difficult to integrate the third generation".

The New York Times

"It has been extremely difficult for the board, and me in particular, because of his qualities as a man".

The Guardian - Sport

"Unfortunately it has been extremely difficult to have debate on a board which considers disagreement with management 'destructive,"' he wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Neutrinos almost never interact with matter, and consequently it had been extremely difficult to detect them in laboratory research.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chief executive, Joseph R. Tomkinson, said it had been "extremely difficult" to sell certain loans as buyers stopped bidding or reneged on promises.

The New York Times

The curator who showed me round, Sabine Rewald, said it had been extremely difficult to persuade some of the (largely German) museums to make the necessary loans.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr Sherborne also said it had been inappropriate for Mirror Group to have required hacking victim Paul Gascoigne to attend court, saying it had been "extremely difficult" for the former England footballer to give evidence.

BBC

But making it work in practice has been extremely difficult, and some companies pursuing the technology have given up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it has been extremely difficult", provide context to explain the specific challenges encountered. This adds clarity and strengthens your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "it has been extremely difficult" as a general statement. Always follow up with details explaining what made it so challenging, preventing vagueness and enhancing the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been extremely difficult" functions as an evaluative statement. It expresses a subjective assessment of a situation or task, indicating that it presented significant challenges or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been extremely difficult" is a common and grammatically sound way to express significant challenges or hardships. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in written English, conveying a notable level of difficulty experienced over time. Found frequently in news media, science, and formal business settings, this expression serves to explain, justify, or elicit empathy. While versatile, remember to provide specific context to avoid vagueness and enhance the impact of your message. Alternatives like "it has been particularly challenging" or "it has been exceptionally tough" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been particularly challenging

Replaces "extremely difficult" with "particularly challenging", softening the intensity slightly.

it has been exceptionally tough

Substitutes "extremely difficult" with "exceptionally tough", giving a more robust and resilient feel.

it has been a real struggle

Replaces the formal tone with a more relatable and empathetic expression of hardship.

it has proven to be very demanding

Changes the focus to the demanding nature of the situation, highlighting effort required.

navigating this has been quite arduous

Uses "arduous" to emphasize the effort and length of the difficulty.

this situation has presented considerable obstacles

Shifts the focus from personal difficulty to the obstacles encountered.

the process has been fraught with complications

Highlights the complexity and problematic nature of the process.

coping with this has been a heavy burden

Emphasizes the emotional weight and stress associated with the difficulty.

this undertaking has been fraught with adversity

Replaces personal difficulty with the presence of adversity.

the circumstances have presented significant headwinds

Uses a business metaphor to illustrate resistance and difficulty.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "it has been extremely difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "it has been particularly challenging", "it has been exceptionally tough", or "it has been a real struggle" depending on the context.

How can I use "it has been extremely difficult" in a sentence?

Use "it has been extremely difficult" to describe a process or situation that has presented significant challenges. For example, "It has been extremely difficult to coordinate the project due to the lack of resources."

Is "it has been extremely difficult" formal or informal?

The phrase "it has been extremely difficult" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although slightly more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly formal settings.

What makes "it has been extremely difficult" different from "it was difficult"?

"It was difficult" refers to a past, completed instance of difficulty, while "it has been extremely difficult" implies ongoing or prolonged difficulty extending to the present.