it is difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"It is difficult" is a perfectly correct and usable sentence in written English.
It can be used to express that something is hard to do or understand. For example: "It is difficult to find a job these days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is difficult.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, detecting it is difficult.

The Economist

"It is difficult," he said.

The New York Times

It is difficult to watch.

The Guardian

He said: "It is difficult.

Independent

Even imagining it is difficult.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is difficult enough.

The New York Times

"It is difficult work.

The New York Times

"It is difficult knowing that, always.

Independent

It is difficult to doubt him.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is difficult not to find something".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is difficult", clearly specify what exactly is difficult and why. This provides context and avoids vagueness.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences or paragraphs with "It is difficult". Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult" functions as an adjective phrase providing a subjective evaluation of a situation, task, or concept. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in assessing the level of effort, complexity, or challenge associated with something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is difficult" is a versatile phrase used to express that something presents challenges or complexities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its prevalence across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal communications. When using this phrase, providing specific context is crucial for clarity. For situations demanding more precision, consider alternatives such as "it is challenging" or "it is tough". Its widespread usage underscores its importance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is challenging

Emphasizes the stimulating or developmental aspect of the difficulty.

it is tough

Highlights the resilience required to overcome the difficulty.

it is hard

Focuses on the effort or labor required.

it is problematic

Points out the issues or complications caused by the difficulty.

it is complex

Stresses the intricate nature of the difficulty.

it is arduous

Implies the difficulty requires considerable exertion and endurance.

it presents difficulties

Shifts the focus to the difficulties themselves, framing them as something that arises.

it poses a challenge

Positions the difficulty as an obstacle to be overcome.

it isn't easy

Understates the difficulty, creating a more casual tone.

it is no walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to highlight that the task is not simple.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "it is challenging", "it is tough", or "it is hard" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "it is difficult" in a sentence?

Use "it is difficult" to express that something is not easy to do or understand. For example, "It is difficult to learn a new language".

What is the difference between "it is difficult" and "it is impossible"?

"It is difficult" means something is hard but potentially achievable, while "it is impossible" means something cannot be done under any circumstances.

Is "it's difficult" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it's difficult" is the contracted form of "it is difficult" and is grammatically correct. It's suitable for informal contexts.