it is difficult to determine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to determine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty or complexity regarding a decision, conclusion, or analysis. Example: "In this case, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of the issue without further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus it is difficult to determine its attributable mortality.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Therefore, it is difficult to determine if its genetic differentiation is due to adaptation or isolation.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

However, it is difficult to determine the extent of its functional change.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

In any case, it is difficult to determine just where CEI gets its funding these days.

Huffington Post

It is difficult to determine what, precisely, the labs do.

The New York Times

However, it is difficult to determine these parameters quantitatively.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

The problem is that it is difficult to determine the opportunity cost of the conflict.

The New Yorker

But it is difficult to determine where the blame lies for Bond's cultural isolation.

The Guardian

It is difficult to determine who is making the decisions about Reyes's care.

The New York Times - Sports

Because most cases go unreported, it is difficult to determine how widespread the phenomenon is.

The Guardian

BEYOND the headlines, it is difficult to determine how much abuse has occurred.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is difficult to determine", ensure you briefly explain why the determination is challenging. Providing context enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "it is difficult to determine" as a placeholder. Always provide specific reasons or factors contributing to the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to determine" functions as an epistemic statement, expressing uncertainty or a challenge in reaching a definitive conclusion. It commonly introduces explanations of why a particular fact, cause, or outcome is not easily ascertainable, consistent with Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is difficult to determine" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or challenges in reaching a definitive conclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig, this grammatically correct phrase is very common across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and business. While its register is generally neutral to formal, providing specific reasons for the difficulty enhances clarity and credibility. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "it's hard to ascertain" or "ascertaining is not straightforward", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember that while Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, overuse without explanation should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's hard to ascertain

This alternative uses "hard" instead of "difficult", making it slightly less formal.

it is challenging to identify

This alternative uses "challenging" to highlight the effort required in identification.

it's not easy to figure out

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the problem-solving aspect.

ascertaining is not straightforward

This alternative uses a more formal tone and a different sentence structure.

establishing is proving complex

This alternative focuses on the complexity involved in establishing something.

it remains unclear

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes the lack of clarity.

the answer is elusive

This alternative uses a more figurative expression to describe the difficulty.

pinpointing remains a hurdle

This alternative highlights pinpointing or identifying a specific cause of a problem as a challenge or obstacle.

the facts are still uncertain

This alternative focuses on the uncertainty of the information available, highlighting that the problem to solve is the lack of available facts and data.

the reasons are hard to come by

This alternative highlights the difficulty of finding or obtaining the reasons behind something, signaling that there is a need for further investigation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is difficult to determine" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "ascertaining is not straightforward" or "establishing is proving complex".

What are some synonyms for "it is difficult to determine" in academic writing?

In academic contexts, suitable alternatives include "it is challenging to identify", "the answer is elusive", or "pinpointing remains a hurdle".

Is "it is difficult to determine" too informal for professional communication?

While generally acceptable, for a more polished and professional tone, you might opt for "it's hard to ascertain" or "the facts are still uncertain", especially when addressing critical issues or senior staff.

When should I use "it is difficult to determine" versus other similar phrases?

Use "it is difficult to determine" when you want to express a genuine challenge in arriving at a conclusion or understanding a situation. For emphasizing uncertainty, you could use "it remains unclear", while for highlighting complexity in establishing something, "establishing is proving complex" might be more appropriate.