it has proved difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it has proved difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to an undertaking or task that is not easy to accomplish. For example: "We wanted to finish the project in two weeks, but it has proved difficult to meet this deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it has proved difficult to eliminate all the glitches.

The New York Times

But it has proved difficult to use effectively.

MIT Technology Review

Despite extensive research, however, it has proved difficult to demonstrate in nonhuman animals.

Animal Behaviour

It has proved difficult to efficiently restore vegetation of alpine ski trails.

Ecological Engineering

It has proved difficult to manipulate Abkhaz politics in the past.

The New York Times

Independence is a vague concept and defining it has proved difficult.

The Economist

Industry still tries to improve on the good, but it has proved difficult.

Nature

However, it has proved difficult to distinguish melanin from Maillard pigments using spectroscopy.

Nature

It has proved difficult for the voters to exert their influence.

The New York Times

Historically, it has proved difficult for Chinese internet firms to expand beyond the country.

The Guardian

It has proved difficult to find philosophically satisfying explanations of knowledge or reasonable beliefs of these kinds.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "it has proved difficult" with more specific language that explains the nature of the difficulty. Instead of simply stating it's difficult, elaborate on why it's challenging (e.g., "it has proved difficult to obtain funding").

Common error

While "it has proved difficult" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to passive voice. Where appropriate, consider rewriting the sentence to be more active and direct, such as "We found it difficult to..." or "The team struggled to...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has proved difficult" functions as a declarative statement indicating that something has presented challenges or obstacles. It sets up a situation where success was not easily achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

44%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has proved difficult" is a versatile phrase used to express that something has presented notable challenges. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia. The phrase signals that a task or situation has not been straightforward and sets the stage for further explanation. While grammatically sound, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider more specific language to elaborate on the nature of the difficulty. Alternatives like "it has been a challenge" or "it has not been easy" can provide a similar meaning while adjusting the tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has not been easy

This is a simpler and more direct way of saying that something has been difficult.

it has been a challenge

This alternative directly states that something was a challenge. It replaces "proved difficult" with a more straightforward expression.

it has been problematic

This suggests that something has caused problems or difficulties, similar to the original phrase.

it has been no easy task

This phrase emphasizes the absence of ease, highlighting the difficulty.

it has presented challenges

This alternative focuses on the challenges that have arisen, akin to the original phrase.

it has proven troublesome

This indicates that something has caused trouble or difficulty, similar to "proved difficult".

it has been demanding

This alternative emphasizes the high level of effort and requirements involved.

it has met with obstacles

This suggests encountering barriers or impediments, emphasizing the challenges faced.

it has been arduous

This suggests that something has been extremely difficult and tiring.

it has been taxing

This alternative suggests that something has been physically or mentally draining.

FAQs

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

Use "it has proved difficult" to describe a task or situation that has presented challenges. For example, "Although we tried many approaches, "it has proved difficult" to find a solution".

What are some alternatives to "it has proved difficult"?

You can use alternatives such as "it has been a challenge", "it has been problematic", or "it has not been easy" depending on the context.

Is "it has proven difficult" the same as "it has proved difficult"?

Yes, "it has proven difficult" and ""it has proved difficult"" are essentially interchangeable. Both phrases mean that something has turned out to be challenging.

What makes something "prove difficult" versus just "be difficult"?

The phrase ""it has proved difficult"" implies that an attempt was made, and the difficulty was discovered through experience or trial. Simply stating something "is difficult" does not necessarily imply an attempt has been made.