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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it is difficult to characterize
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it is difficult to characterize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a subject or concept that is complex or challenging to define or describe clearly. Example: "The phenomenon of climate change is multifaceted, and it is difficult to characterize its long-term impacts on global ecosystems."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
33 human-written examples
Because of the diversity and complexity of natural flavonoid in medicinal plants, it is difficult to characterize every compound and elucidate its structure.
However, thus far, it is difficult to characterize these complex interactions.
Science
However, it is difficult to characterize these deeply buried karst caves accurately and completely.
Science
But lacking the distinctions of contemporary philosophy, it is difficult to characterize Santayana's philosophy of mind accurately.
Science
In fact, it is difficult to characterize the compactness of the sum of several arbitrary u j C j 's.
However, this is often ignored in ecological studies because it is difficult to characterize using traditional field methods.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
27 human-written examples
It's difficult to characterize music in simple, sweeping terms.
News & Media
"It's difficult to characterize a vacation house as something other than a luxury, a bauble," Kevin Daly concluded.
News & Media
Mr. Stewart said that residents were generally aware of the verdict but that it was difficult to characterize their feelings.
News & Media
It's difficult to characterize these actions as a trend, because we are talking about a relatively short period of time with a high number of incidents".
News & Media
In broad terms, I think it's difficult to characterize me as being left or right of what he's trying to accomplish.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "it is difficult to characterize", clearly state the reason for the difficulty. Providing context enhances clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "it is difficult to characterize" without specifying what aspects are challenging. Being specific strengthens your argument and avoids vagueness.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it is difficult to characterize" serves as an evaluative statement, expressing the speaker or writer's assessment of the challenges involved in defining or describing a particular subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
79%
News & Media
15%
Wiki
3%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it is difficult to characterize" is a versatile phrase used to express the challenges in defining or describing a complex subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in scientific and academic writing, although it also appears in news media. When using this phrase, clarity is key: always specify why the subject is difficult to characterize. Alternatives include "it is challenging to define" or "it is hard to describe", offering similar nuances depending on the context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it is challenging to define
Emphasizes the challenge in providing a clear and concise definition.
it is hard to describe
Highlights the struggle to articulate a comprehensive description.
it is not easy to categorize
Focuses on the difficulty in assigning something to a specific category.
it is problematic to classify
Indicates potential issues or inaccuracies in classifying something.
it is complex to understand
Shifts the focus to the intricacy involved in comprehending a subject.
it defies easy description
Suggests that the subject resists simple or straightforward description.
it is tough to pin down
Implies a lack of concrete qualities, making it hard to grasp.
it is an elusive concept
Highlights the abstract or intangible nature of the concept.
it is open to interpretation
Suggests that there may be multiple valid interpretations of the concept.
the nature of it is uncertain
Emphasizes the ambiguity and lack of clarity surrounding the subject.
FAQs
How can I use "it is difficult to characterize" in a sentence?
Use "it is difficult to characterize" when you want to express that something is not easily defined or described due to its complexity or ambiguity. For example, "It is difficult to characterize the long-term effects of this policy."
What are some alternatives to "it is difficult to characterize"?
You can use alternatives like "it is challenging to define", "it is hard to describe", or "it is not easy to categorize" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Which is correct: "it is difficult to characterize" or "it's difficult to characterize"?
Both "it is difficult to characterize" and "it's difficult to characterize" are grammatically correct. The latter is a contraction and is more informal, while the former is more formal.
In what contexts is it appropriate to use "it is difficult to characterize"?
The phrase "it is difficult to characterize" is appropriate in academic, scientific, and professional contexts when discussing complex topics or phenomena that lack clear definitions or boundaries. However, depending on the audience and the document, you can use alternatives that are more informal.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested