it is difficult to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a sentence with a difficult concept, or to explain a difficult process or situation. Example: It is difficult to understand the rules and regulations of filing taxes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is difficult to watch.

The Guardian

It is difficult to doubt him.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is difficult to get her appointment.

The New York Times

"It is difficult to say," he said.

The New York Times

It is difficult to have hope.

Independent

It is difficult to answer that".

Independent

"It is difficult to watch this procedure.

The New York Times - Health

"It is difficult to study from others.

Independent

"It is difficult to predict her.

The New York Times

It is difficult to see them.

The New York Times

"It is difficult to prove," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is difficult to", ensure that the reason for the difficulty is clear to the reader. Providing context enhances understanding and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it is difficult to" as a substitute for more specific and descriptive language. Instead of saying "It is difficult to understand", try "The concept is complex due to its abstract nature".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to" functions as an introductory expression used to frame a situation, task, or concept as challenging. As seen in Ludwig AI, it sets the stage for explaining why something is not easy or straightforward.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is difficult to" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that introduces challenges or complexities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you provide adequate context to explain the reasons for the difficulty. While highly common in news, science, and formal business settings, remember to avoid overuse and explore alternatives like "it is challenging to" or "it is hard to" for variety. The key is to be clear and specific about what makes something "difficult". As seen in the analyzed data from Ludwig, mastering this phrase involves understanding its nuances and applying it thoughtfully to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is challenging to

Replaces "difficult" with a synonym that suggests a stimulating and demanding task.

it is hard to

Uses a more informal synonym for "difficult", conveying a similar level of challenge.

it is tough to

Employs a colloquial term for "difficult", indicating a robust and resilient approach is needed.

it is problematic to

Shifts the focus to the issues or obstacles that make something not straightforward.

it is complex to

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task.

it is arduous to

Emphasizes the effort and energy required to overcome the challenge.

it is troublesome to

Draws attention to the inconvenience and potential problems involved.

it is laborious to

Underscores the heavy workload and time commitment needed.

it is no easy task to

Highlights a task that demands substantial effort and skill.

it is a struggle to

Emphasizes the effort and determination needed to overcome an obstacle.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is difficult to" to introduce a challenge, problem, or obstacle. For instance, "It is difficult to predict the outcome of the election" or "It is difficult to balance work and personal life".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is challenging to", "it is hard to", or "it is tough to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is difficult to understand" or "it is hard to understand"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "It is difficult to understand" is slightly more formal, while "it is hard to understand" is more casual. The best choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What's the difference between "it is difficult to" and "it is impossible to"?

"It is difficult to" implies a significant challenge but suggests that success is still possible. "It is impossible to", on the other hand, means that something cannot be done under any circumstances.