it is a bit difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "it is a bit difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express feeling that something is moderately hard to do. For example, "Designing this project is a bit difficult for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But its true it is a bit difficult but you know, "no pain no gain".

WikiHow

"It is a bit difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, it is a bit difficult driving and talking!

The Guardian - Sport

"It is a bit difficult – especially as a young actor.

The Guardian

"It is a bit difficult to say at this early stage.

The Guardian

"I think it is time to explore our history even if it is a bit difficult or uncomfortable at times".

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Sometimes it's a bit difficult.

Independent

It's a bit difficult as I'm driving.

The Guardian - Sport

"When I started it was a bit difficult.

The Guardian - Music

"It's a bit difficult," he said, swallowing hard.

The Guardian - Sport

Not being techies, it's a bit difficult for us, but we're getting there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a bit difficult" to soften potentially negative feedback or criticism, making it sound less harsh. For example, instead of saying "Your design is bad", try "Implementing this design may be a bit difficult".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "it is a bit difficult". While useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it presents some challenges" or "it requires some effort" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a bit difficult" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a subjective assessment of the level of challenge or complexity associated with a task, situation, or concept. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is a bit difficult" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate level of challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While frequently found in News & Media, it is less common in highly formal or scientific contexts. When using the phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and formality. Using alternatives like "it presents some challenges" or "it's somewhat challenging" can help vary your writing and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's somewhat challenging

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "a bit" with "somewhat", indicating a similar level of complexity.

it's slightly complicated

Substitutes "difficult" with "complicated" and "a bit" with "slightly", suggesting a mild level of intricacy.

it presents some challenges

Uses a more formal structure, replacing the direct statement with an indirect indication of difficulty.

it requires some effort

Shifts the focus from difficulty to the effort needed, implying it is not straightforward.

it's not entirely straightforward

Emphasizes the lack of simplicity, suggesting a moderate level of difficulty.

it poses a slight problem

Frames the difficulty as a "problem", indicating an obstacle that needs to be addressed.

it involves a degree of complexity

Highlights the complexity involved, making it suitable for more formal contexts.

it's a tad demanding

Replaces "difficult" with "demanding" and "a bit" with "a tad", suggesting something requires extra effort or resources.

it's not a walk in the park

Uses an idiom to express that something is not easy, indicating difficulty.

it's rather intricate

Replaces "difficult" with "intricate" and "a bit" with "rather", suggesting detailed and complex components.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is a bit difficult" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could use phrases like "it presents some challenges" or "it involves a degree of complexity" depending on the context.

What are some common synonyms for "it is a bit difficult"?

Common synonyms include "it's somewhat challenging", "it's slightly complicated", or "it requires some effort".

Is "it is a bit difficult" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it is a bit difficult" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives depending on the tone of your writing. A better fit might be something like, "it poses a slight problem".

How does "it is a bit difficult" differ from "it is very difficult"?

"It is a bit difficult" suggests a moderate level of challenge, while "it is very difficult" implies a high degree of complexity or near impossibility. The phrase with "bit" serves to soften the statement.