it has been very difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'it has been very difficult' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this sentence to describe a challenging experience or situation. For example, "The past few weeks have been very difficult for me due to work, family, and health issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nevertheless,"it has been very difficult to then rebuild trust and confidence on both sides".

The Guardian

"It has been very difficult for everyone.

Independent

"It has been very difficult for me.

The New York Times - Sports

"It has been very difficult for Burnley.

The Guardian

It has been very difficult for our businesses and companies.

The Guardian

"It has been very difficult," she said by phone, her voice grave and quiet.

The New York Times

Well, I can tell you that it has been very difficult.

The New Yorker

It has been very difficult, very hard work, for me and for the team.

Independent

It has been very difficult for her to do this in Cuba.

The New York Times

Since the day he was captured it has been very difficult.

The Guardian

It has been very difficult just because we are a very close-knit community.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been very difficult" to express empathy or understanding when someone is facing a challenge. It acknowledges the situation without minimizing the effort required to overcome it.

Common error

Avoid using "it has been very difficult" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been very difficult" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying an implied or stated subject. It expresses a state of being or a condition characterized by a high degree of challenge or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has been very difficult" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a significant degree of challenge or hardship. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is suitable for various contexts, though more formal synonyms may sometimes be preferred. Predominantly found in News & Media, Scientific and Academic sources, this phrase serves to convey obstacles, share difficulties and express empathy, highlighting its versatility in communication. Remember to vary your language and try synonyms or rephrasing to maintain engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been particularly challenging

Emphasizes the exceptional degree of difficulty, suggesting it's more than just difficult.

it has been exceedingly tough

Highlights the demanding nature of the situation, indicating considerable effort was required.

it has been remarkably hard

Focuses on the significant level of effort needed, stressing the laboriousness involved.

it has been incredibly arduous

Conveys a sense of prolonged hardship and strenuous effort over time.

it has been exceptionally demanding

Underscores the high requirements and expectations, suggesting a significant challenge to meet them.

it has presented significant hurdles

Shifts focus to obstacles encountered, rather than the overall difficulty, suggesting specific problems.

it has been a major struggle

Highlights the continuous effort against opposition, indicating a prolonged and intense effort.

it has involved considerable strain

Focuses on the pressure and stress experienced, suggesting a toll on resources or well-being.

it has proven to be quite a trial

Emphasizes the testing nature of the situation, indicating a challenge of endurance and resilience.

it has not been easy

Offers a more understated way to express difficulty, implying challenges without elaborating on their intensity.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it has been very difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "it has been particularly challenging", "it has been exceedingly tough", or "it has not been easy" depending on the context.

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

You can use "it has been very difficult" to describe a challenging experience or situation. For example, "The transition to the new software system has been very difficult for some employees."

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

"It has been very difficult" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in some situations.

Which is correct, "it has been very difficult" or "it was very difficult"?

Both "it has been very difficult" and "it was very difficult" are grammatically correct, but they differ in tense. "It has been very difficult" implies the difficulty persists or has relevance to the present, while "it was very difficult" refers to a difficulty that is now concluded.