it is difficult to lay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to lay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a challenging task or situation that involves placing or positioning something. Example: "In this project, it is difficult to lay the foundation properly due to the uneven terrain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The answer, surely, is that Christianity is so overwhelmingly dominated by institutionalism that it is difficult to lay claim to a non-institutional Christian identity.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in Asia it is difficult to lay people off.

Forbes

It is difficult to lay people off in most of these economies.

Forbes

Given the quality of football, consistent top-four finishes in the Premier League and the club's achievements under manager Arsene Wenger, it is difficult to lay the blame with the Frenchman.

BBC

Place a piece of tape approximately 3 times as long as the longest section of a staple face-up on a flat surface (please note that it is difficult to lay, and the dimensions of the tape in the Things You'll Need section).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rigid labour markets also mean that it's difficult to lay off workers.

The Economist

"It's difficult to lay that at the feet of any cause other than humans".

Science Magazine

It was difficult to lay the foundation for Anna's belated turn to Kristoff without also making Hans' betrayal of Anna too predictable, in that the audience had to "feel... her feeling something but not quite understanding it.

Wikipedia

Having heard stories of the Tsavo man-eaters, it's difficult to lie in bed without calculating the odds of some claw slicing through the canvas of my tent, or to mentally rehearse jabbing at an intruding beast with the nearest available piece of furniture.

BBC

It would be difficult to lay the blame at the feet of the rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara, who is now out injured, or his replacement Bill Gaudette.

The New York Times

The leave campaign knows all this as it continues to conjure up demons that will be difficult to lay to rest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it is difficult to lay", ensure the context is clear regarding what is being laid. Providing specific details will enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it is difficult to lay" in contexts where the action of 'laying' is too abstract or metaphorical. The phrase works best when describing a literal or directly tangible action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to lay" functions as a statement expressing the degree of challenge associated with a specific action. It's frequently used to highlight obstacles or complexities involved in positioning or establishing something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is difficult to lay" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe challenges involved in positioning or establishing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear, and avoid overly abstract applications to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's challenging to position

Emphasizes the problematic aspects of positioning something, differing from the more general 'laying'.

it is hard to place

Simple substitution of 'difficult' with 'hard', making it more direct.

it proves troublesome to set

Replaces 'difficult' with 'troublesome' and 'lay' with 'set', adding a nuance of causing trouble.

it is problematic to establish

Focuses on the problems of establishing something, slightly changing the context.

it is complicated to arrange

Highlights the complexity of arranging, rather than simply laying something.

it is no easy task to situate

Emphasizes the effort required to situate something, adding a sense of undertaking.

it presents obstacles to setting out

Focuses on the obstacles involved in setting something out.

it poses a challenge to arrange

Highlights the challenge aspect of arranging, rather than the difficulty.

it's a struggle to situate

Replaces 'difficult' with 'struggle', emphasizing effort and resistance.

locating is proving difficult

Shifts the focus to the act of locating and how challenging it is.

FAQs

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

Use "it is difficult to lay" to describe a challenging task involving placing or positioning something. For example, "It is difficult to lay the foundation properly due to the uneven terrain."

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

Alternatives include "it is hard to place", "it's challenging to position", or "it proves troublesome to set", depending on the specific context.

Is "it is difficult to lay" grammatically correct?

Yes, according to Ludwig, "it is difficult to lay" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

When is it appropriate to use "it is difficult to lay"?

Use "it is difficult to lay" when referring to a situation where positioning, placing, or establishing something presents a significant challenge. Avoid using it in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts.