it is difficult to have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to have" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or obstacles related to possessing or experiencing something. Example: "It is difficult to have a productive conversation when emotions are running high."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

McIlroy explained in January that "it is difficult to have a relationship when I'm on tour and she is in Ireland".

The New York Times

It is difficult to have hope.

Independent

It is difficult to have capitalism without freedom and almost impossible to have freedom without capitalism.

The Economist

Once a resident has a voucher terminated, it is difficult to have it reinstated.

The New York Times

"It is difficult to have security in the whole municipality," he said.

The New York Times

It is difficult to have pride of authorship in a sentence like that.

The New Yorker

At present it is difficult to have any confidence in the people who have been involved in these murky events.

The Guardian

"It is difficult to have two big domestic problems – the global financial crisis and the MPs' expenses," he says.

The Guardian

(But, similarly, it is difficult to have a conversation about Absolut vodka with executives who sell it or advertise it without someone saying "absolutely" at least once).

The New York Times

It is difficult to have a voice when you're a small organisation like us so this does help us be seen and heard a little bit," he said.

The Guardian

"It is difficult to have a through-composed piece that incorporates untrained musicians," Michael McCurdy, a member of Mantra Percussion, said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is difficult to have", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what is difficult to possess or experience. Be precise about the object or state you're referring to for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is difficult to have" in overly abstract or vague statements. Always provide a specific context or example to illustrate the difficulty, otherwise, the statement may lack impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to have" functions as an introductory expression to indicate challenges or obstacles in possessing, experiencing or achieving something. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

52%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is difficult to have" is a versatile phrase used to express challenges in possessing, experiencing, or achieving something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various sources, particularly in science and news media. While the phrase is appropriate for neutral contexts, it's important to ensure clarity and specificity in your writing, avoiding overly abstract statements. Consider alternatives like "it is challenging to possess" or "it's hard to maintain" to provide different nuances. Overall, understanding its function, purpose and potential pitfalls allows you to use this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's challenging to possess

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and restructures the sentence to emphasize the act of possessing.

it's hard to maintain

Focuses on the difficulty of keeping or sustaining something, rather than simply having it.

it is a struggle to acquire

Highlights the effort required to obtain something.

it's not easy to come by

Suggests scarcity or rarity, making it difficult to obtain.

obtaining it is problematic

Shifts the focus to the act of obtaining and emphasizes the problems associated with it.

it presents difficulties in acquiring

Formal phrasing emphasizing the challenges during the acquiring process.

it poses challenges for possession

Highlights the challenges related to the state of having or owning something.

gaining it is an uphill battle

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in attaining something.

it is no simple matter to secure

Underlines the complexity and effort required to ensure possession.

establishing it is an arduous task

Focuses on the demanding nature of setting up or creating something.

FAQs

What does "it is difficult to have" mean?

The phrase "it is difficult to have" means that there are challenges or obstacles associated with possessing or experiencing something. It implies that achieving or maintaining a certain state or object is not easy.

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

You can use "it is difficult to have" to express challenges in various situations. For example, "It is difficult to have a productive meeting with constant interruptions" or "It is difficult to have a healthy work-life balance when overtime is mandatory".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is challenging to possess", "it's hard to maintain", or "it is a struggle to acquire" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it is difficult to have" and "it is hard to have"?

The phrases "it is difficult to have" and "it is hard to have" are largely interchangeable. "Difficult" might suggest a more complex or intricate challenge, while "hard" is more general, but in most contexts, they convey the same meaning.