it has been really difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been really difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a challenging experience or situation that has persisted over a period of time. Example: "This past year has been tough for everyone, and I can honestly say it has been really difficult to stay motivated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It has been really difficult for them.

Independent

The ups and downs — it has been really difficult.

The New York Times - Sports

We have beautiful, beautiful countryside here but it has been really difficult for us to get that message across," he said.

The Guardian

It has been really difficult for her as she had home tuition for a while until she was ready to come back to school.

The Guardian

However, since the different solutions are focused on different application scenarios (Web, Grid, and network) it has been really difficult to create a unified point of view (cross-layer) for identity management and, therefore, mechanisms like Single Sign On (SSO) across different layers are considered to be a main gap in current efforts.

Journal of Network and Computer Applications

"Trying to look behind it has been really difficult".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It had been "really difficult for opposition parties to get a word in on the issues that matter to most Kiwis".

The Guardian

"Government funding has been really difficult for us, specifically because it's all restricted and so it limits the kinds of things we want to do.

The Guardian - Tech

The run we've been on has been really difficult for everyone, and it's a much needed three points.

BBC

The climate issue on the American scene has been really difficult for years and in many ways it is worse now than three or four years ago.

The Guardian

"The last 18 months has been really difficult.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has been really difficult", follow it with a specific explanation of why it has been challenging to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "really" to convey the extent of the difficulty. Consider using stronger or more descriptive adjectives to better illustrate the situation, such as "incredibly difficult", "exceptionally challenging", or "remarkably arduous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been really difficult" functions as a statement expressing that a particular situation or period of time has presented significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to convey the speaker's experience of hardship or adversity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has been really difficult" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that a situation or period has presented significant challenges. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its frequent use in News & Media and Science contexts. While "really" intensifies the difficulty, stronger adjectives may offer more descriptive alternatives. When using this phrase, consider providing specific context to clarify the nature of the hardship. For similar expressions, explore alternatives like "it has been really challenging" or "it has been very difficult" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's been incredibly challenging

Highlights the demanding and testing nature of the situation.

it's been quite a struggle

Emphasizes the ongoing nature and effort involved in overcoming difficulties.

it's been a tough journey

Focuses on the prolonged and arduous aspect of the experience.

it's been far from easy

Understates the difficulty, implying it was significantly harder than expected.

it's been a constant battle

Highlights the continuous and relentless nature of the struggle.

it's been a genuine ordeal

Suggests a particularly unpleasant and prolonged experience.

it's presented significant obstacles

Focuses on the hurdles and impediments encountered.

it's been an uphill battle

Suggests a struggle against strong opposition or unfavorable circumstances.

it's been a considerable hardship

Emphasizes the suffering and privation experienced.

it's been no walk in the park

An idiomatic expression conveying that something was not easy or pleasant.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "it has been really difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "it has been really challenging", "it has been very difficult", or "it's been quite a struggle" depending on the context.

Is "it has been really difficult" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it has been really difficult" is grammatically correct. It uses the present perfect tense to describe a situation that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present.

How can I make my writing more descriptive when using "it has been really difficult"?

Instead of just stating that something is "it has been really difficult", try to provide more specific details about why it's difficult. For instance, you could say, "it has been really difficult due to unforeseen circumstances" or "it has been really difficult balancing work and family responsibilities".

Which is better, "it has been really difficult" or "it has been very difficult"?

Both "it has been really difficult" and "it has been very difficult" are acceptable. "Really" can sometimes sound less formal than "very". Choose the word that best fits the tone and context of your writing.