it is difficult to pinpoint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to pinpoint" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that it is hard to identify or define something exactly. For example: "It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In financial reports, Bank of America does not break out losses and write-downs sustained by its own mortgage division versus Countrywide, so it is difficult to pinpoint an exact cost of the Countrywide deal.

The New York Times

But beyond that, it is difficult to pinpoint.

The New York Times

It is difficult to pinpoint the birth of "going forward".

The Guardian

In sum, it is difficult to pinpoint what role US diplomats have truly played.

Columbia University

So it is difficult to pinpoint how effective the campaign was.

The New York Times

It is difficult to pinpoint which ingredients contribute to approval of a parcel tax.

The New York Times

Many experts on the issue acknowledge that it is difficult to pinpoint the origins of attacks.

The New York Times

Still others say it is difficult to pinpoint precisely what went wrong.

The New York Times

It is difficult to pinpoint who these forces are, but they seem to be everywhere".

The New York Times

It is difficult to pinpoint why Touré has not hit the level of last season.

The Guardian - Sport

Basham said it is difficult to pinpoint exact ex­penses at this stage in the budget process.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is difficult to pinpoint" when you want to express the challenge of identifying a specific factor, cause, or detail among many possibilities. This phrase is particularly effective in analytical writing where precision is valued.

Common error

While "it is difficult to pinpoint" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in casual conversation can make your speech sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's hard to say" or "it's tough to tell" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to pinpoint" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a challenge in identifying or specifying something precisely. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express uncertainty in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is difficult to pinpoint" is a versatile phrase used to express the challenge of identifying or specifying something precisely. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various domains, particularly in news, science, and academia. While very common, remember to adjust the formality level depending on the context, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversation. The numerous examples in Ludwig underscore its consistent usage and reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's hard to determine

Emphasizes the effort required in the process of finding something out.

it's challenging to identify

Highlights the demanding nature of recognizing or establishing something.

it's not easy to specify

Underscores the complexity in giving exact details about something.

it's tough to ascertain

Focuses on the laboriousness of discovering something definitively.

it's problematic to discern

Highlights the issues surrounding perceiving or recognizing something.

it's unclear where to begin

Expresses uncertainty about the starting point in identifying something.

it remains elusive to identify

Suggests that identifying something is still out of reach or hard to grasp.

locating is proving difficult

Highlights the ongoing struggle of finding something specific.

the source is hard to trace

Highlights difficulties in determining the origin of something.

establishing this is quite hard

Emphasizes the overall complexity of concluding or verifying something.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is difficult to pinpoint" to express uncertainty or the challenge in identifying something precisely, like in the sentence, "It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the decline."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "it is hard to determine", "it is challenging to identify", or "it is not easy to specify" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "it is difficult to pinpoint" imply?

The phrase implies that while something may be generally understood or observed, the specific details or reasons behind it are hard to define or isolate. It suggests a degree of complexity or uncertainty.

In what contexts is "it is difficult to pinpoint" most appropriate?

This phrase is well-suited for academic, scientific, or professional contexts where precise language is valued. It is commonly used in reports, analyses, and discussions where factors are complex and not easily isolated.