it is difficult to discern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to discern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is hard to understand or identify clearly. Example: "In the complex data set, it is difficult to discern any clear trends or patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Atherosclerosis appears to be accelerated in patients with vasculitis, although it is difficult to discern its contributing impact on subsequent vascular occlusion.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

It is difficult to discern who was behind the attacks.

The New York Times

It is difficult to discern which aspects are not so!

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is difficult to discern just what the new emphasis is.

The New York Times

They occur so rarely that it is difficult to discern patterns or make reliable forecasts.

The New Yorker

It is difficult to discern what is autobiographical and what is not in "Moonglow".

The New Yorker

Of course, it is difficult to discern this or anything else clearly, given that the plot itself is so chaotic.

The Guardian - Film

Even after several readings, it is difficult to discern what set off this tirade a century ago.

The New York Times

But it is difficult to discern whether the legal protections that produced the alcohol industry will survive much longer.

The New York Times

With only a relative handful of elections this year, it is difficult to discern an overriding theme.

The New York Times

As with many of his thematic gestures, it is difficult to discern a larger point beyond provocation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is difficult to discern", ensure the context provides enough information about why the discernment is challenging. Be specific about what factors contribute to the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "it is difficult to discern" as a generic statement. Instead, specify what makes it difficult and why it matters. For example, instead of saying "It is difficult to discern the pattern", say "It is difficult to discern the pattern due to the limited data points".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to discern" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a challenge or obstacle in understanding or identifying something clearly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. The examples show it's often used when assessing complex situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is difficult to discern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express challenges in understanding or identifying something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It finds prominence in both scientific and news-related content, indicating a formal yet widely applicable nature. When using this phrase, be specific about the factors contributing to the difficulty and avoid generic statements. Consider alternatives like "it is challenging to perceive" or "it is hard to distinguish" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is challenging to perceive

Focuses on the effort required for perception, emphasizing the difficulty.

it is hard to distinguish

Highlights the problem of differentiation between two or more things.

it's not easy to make out

Suggests a lack of clarity, making identification tricky.

it is tough to figure out

Emphasizes the mental effort needed to understand something.

it is problematic to detect

Highlights the troublesomeness of detecting something.

it's unclear how to identify

Focuses on the uncertainty in identifying something.

it remains elusive to grasp

Implies the concept is hard to understand or seize mentally.

understanding it is an uphill battle

Uses a metaphor to convey the struggle to understand something.

the picture is murky

Uses an analogy to suggest a lack of clarity and detail.

it's like finding a needle in a haystack

Uses an idiom to convey the difficulty of finding something specific.

FAQs

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

Use "it is difficult to discern" when you want to express that something is not easily understood or identified. For example, "It is difficult to discern the exact cause of the problem given the limited information available".

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

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

Is it better to use "it is difficult to discern" or "it is hard to discern"?

Both "it is difficult to discern" and "it is hard to discern" are grammatically correct. "Difficult" is generally perceived as slightly more formal than "hard", but they are often interchangeable.

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

"It is difficult to discern" suggests a challenge in understanding or identifying something, but not necessarily complete impossibility. "It is impossible to discern" indicates that understanding or identifying something is completely out of reach.