it is certainly difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is certainly difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the challenge or complexity of a situation or task. Example: "Completing this project on time is it is certainly difficult given the limited resources we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It is certainly difficult.

The New York Times

It is certainly difficult for Kantians to square this circle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today, it is certainly difficult to think of The Americans as shocking.

The Guardian - Arts

And it is certainly difficult to deal with the distinction that counsel makes between preexisting and prospective transactions.

Cornell University

While it is certainly difficult and requires some planning, it is indeed possible to work and breast-feed.

The New York Times - Health

It is certainly difficult to see Hamilton losing focus now, with a much overdue second world championship in view.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He acknowledged, though, that it was "certainly difficult" to hear labor's angry response.

The New York Times

It's certainly difficult to predict exactly when an ice-free Arctic summer will occur.

The Guardian

Before the past few cold fronts, it was certainly difficult to tell what time of year it was.

The Washington Post

It's certainly difficult to find much meaning in Maupassant's final years, which were as lurid as any plot he ever concocted.

The Guardian - Books

As United-Arsenal games go, it was certainly difficult to remember another contest featuring so many of what Tony Adams, in his television role, described as "schoolboy errors".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is certainly difficult" to acknowledge a challenge while maintaining a neutral or slightly optimistic tone. It's ideal when you want to avoid sounding overly negative or discouraging.

Common error

Avoid using "certainly" excessively in your writing. Overusing intensifiers can weaken their impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is certainly difficult" functions as a comment on the degree of effort or complexity involved in a task, situation, or concept. It expresses an acknowledgement of a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is certainly difficult" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to acknowledge a notable challenge. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While conveying a sense of complexity, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for a wide range of contexts, offering a more measured assessment than simpler alternatives like "it is tough" and alternatives are available as well, with varying degrees of similarity. When using this phrase, it's essential to be mindful of overusing intensifiers and to vary your language for impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is undeniably challenging

Emphasizes the unquestionable nature of the challenge.

it is undoubtedly tough

Highlights the resilience required to overcome the difficulty.

it presents a considerable challenge

Focuses on the degree of difficulty as a prominent aspect.

it is a formidable task

Conveys the sense of a demanding and potentially overwhelming undertaking.

it is anything but easy

States directly that the situation is not simple or straightforward.

it is no walk in the park

Uses an idiom to suggest that something requires effort and is not effortless.

it is fraught with difficulty

Highlights that a situation is filled with potential problems.

it involves significant hurdles

Indicates that there are obstacles that must be overcome.

it poses some tricky problems

Emphasizes the intricate and complex nature of the issues involved.

it isn't a piece of cake

Uses an idiom to convey that a task is not simple or effortless.

FAQs

How can I use "it is certainly difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "it is certainly difficult" to acknowledge a challenge or obstacle. For example, "While learning a new language /s/it+is+certainly+difficult/, the rewards are immense".

What are some alternatives to "it is certainly difficult"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is undeniably challenging", "it is undoubtedly tough", or "it presents a considerable challenge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "it is certainly difficult" or "it is definitely difficult"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "it is certainly difficult" often implies a more considered or formal assessment of the challenge, while "it is definitely difficult" is more direct and emphatic.

What level of formality does "it is certainly difficult" convey?

"It is certainly difficult" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The use of "certainly" adds a touch of formality compared to using "definitely" or "really".