it is difficult to confirm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to confirm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty or challenges in verifying information or facts. Example: "Given the lack of evidence, it is difficult to confirm the accuracy of the claims made in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is difficult to confirm Shkreli's story, although its outlines conform to what is known about how the investigation started.

The New Yorker

It is difficult to confirm such reports independently, given the restrictions on reporting in Iran.

The New York Times

It is difficult to confirm some details of his story, since juvenile court records are sealed.

The New York Times

But some local reports placed the number of the dead much higher, and it is difficult to confirm their legitimacy.

The New York Times

It is difficult to confirm many things about the secretive country but when facts do emerge, they tend to be incredible.

Independent

It is difficult to confirm the official figures because no journalists are accompanying the troops, and the area is considered too dangerous for foreign or local journalists to visit independently.

The New York Times

However, given the highly correlated nature of the two phenotypes and the extensive linkage disequilibrium (LD) across this region, it is difficult to confirm any disease-specific associations within the MHC.

Nature

It is difficult to confirm the details of defectors' attacks — and the claims of success — because foreign reporters have rarely been allowed in the country since the uprising began, and even then, their movements are restricted.

The New York Times

With Papua thousands of kilometers from Jakarta, and tightly sealed from foreign journalists and many rights groups, it is difficult to confirm independently claims and counterclaims about much of the violence.

The New York Times

Therefore, it is difficult to confirm that this trap has the same nature.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As usual, it was difficult to confirm that assertion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is difficult to confirm", provide context about why confirmation is challenging. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is difficult to confirm" when the evidence clearly contradicts a claim. This phrase is best used when there's a genuine lack of verifiable information, not when dismissing established facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to confirm" functions as an epistemic statement, expressing uncertainty or a challenge in verifying information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is difficult to confirm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate uncertainty in verifying information. Ludwig AI confirms that it is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, reflecting scenarios where definitive proof is lacking. When employing this phrase, provide context to enhance credibility and avoid overstating uncertainty when evidence clearly contradicts a claim. Alternative phrases such as "it's hard to verify" or "it's challenging to ascertain" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's hard to verify

Changes the structure to a more informal contraction and uses "verify" instead of "confirm".

it's challenging to ascertain

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "confirm" with the more formal "ascertain".

verification is problematic

Uses a noun-based structure to convey the difficulty of verification.

ascertaining this is problematic

Starts with the act of ascertaining as the subject and uses "problematic" instead of "difficult".

establishing this is tough

Uses "establishing" instead of "confirming" and "tough" for "difficult", resulting in a more informal tone.

proving this is a challenge

Replaces "confirming" with "proving" and uses "a challenge" to express difficulty.

validation is uncertain

Focuses on the uncertainty of "validation" instead of the difficulty of confirming.

corroboration is elusive

Uses more formal vocabulary to express the difficulty in finding supporting evidence.

evidence is lacking to support this

Shifts the focus to the lack of supporting evidence as the cause of the difficulty.

there is no way to know for sure

Emphasizes the impossibility of knowing with certainty, implying the difficulty of confirmation.

FAQs

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

Use "it is difficult to confirm" to express uncertainty when verifying facts is challenging, as in, "Due to conflicting reports, "it is difficult to confirm" the exact number of casualties".

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

You can use alternatives like "it's hard to verify", "it's challenging to ascertain", or "verification is problematic" depending on the context.

Is "it is difficult to confirm" formal or informal?

"It is difficult to confirm" has a neutral to slightly formal tone, suitable for academic, news, and professional writing. More informal options include "it's hard to verify".

What makes something "difficult to confirm"?

Factors such as lack of reliable sources, conflicting information, restricted access to data, or complex variables can make something "difficult to confirm".