it is difficult to prove

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to prove" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a claim, theory, or statement that lacks sufficient evidence or is challenging to substantiate. Example: "In the realm of science, it is difficult to prove the existence of dark matter due to the limitations of current technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, these authors also cautioned that "it is difficult to prove direction of a clearance pathway from a static histological observation," which was the only evidence they had.

Environmental Health Perspectives

"It is difficult to prove," he said.

Independent

It is difficult to prove a concert action.

The Economist

But it is difficult to prove that they did so knowingly.

The Economist

So it is difficult to prove the motive in the court.

The New York Times

Later, it is difficult to prove that the perpetrator had used false identity.

The Guardian

It is difficult to prove that technology reduces overall levels of employment.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is difficult to prove that the certificates actually support an increase in sustainable palm oil.

The Guardian

Graft is pervasive at every level of government, though at the top it is difficult to prove.

The Economist

Often, American officials choose not to prosecute because it is difficult to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The New York Times

(Since many of the settlements are confidential, it is difficult to prove the claims of Mr. Katz and others).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when you want to acknowledge a limitation in your argument or analysis. It adds a layer of honesty and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it is difficult to prove" as a blanket statement without providing any supporting reasoning. This can weaken your argument and make it seem like you haven't thoroughly investigated the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to prove" functions as an introductory expression used to acknowledge the challenges or limitations associated with substantiating a claim or theory. Ludwig AI indicates its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is difficult to prove" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge challenges in substantiating claims, according to Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in science, news media, and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's crucial to provide context and avoid overstating uncertainty. Alternative expressions such as "it is hard to demonstrate" or "it is challenging to establish" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, and ensure your writing is clear, precise, and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is hard to demonstrate

This alternative replaces "difficult" with "hard" and "prove" with "demonstrate", slightly altering the formality.

it is challenging to establish

This phrase substitutes "difficult" with "challenging" and "prove" with "establish", conveying a similar level of complexity.

it's not easy to substantiate

This alternative uses a more informal contraction and replaces "difficult" with "not easy" and "prove" with "substantiate", maintaining the core meaning.

it remains unproven

This option uses a passive construction focusing on the state of being unproven, simplifying the original sentence structure.

proving it is an uphill battle

This idiomatic expression emphasizes the effort required to prove something, adding a layer of vividness.

evidence to support it is scarce

This phrase shifts the focus to the lack of evidence, providing a different perspective on the difficulty of proving.

verification is problematic

This option is more concise and uses a formal term, "verification", to replace "proving it", resulting in a shift in focus.

establishing that is complex

This alternative replaces "difficult" with "complex", highlighting the multifaceted nature of the task.

the proof remains elusive

This phrase emphasizes the lack of attainment of proof by referring to it being elusive.

substantiating this poses a problem

This option focuses on the act of substantiating as the source of difficulty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is difficult to prove" in a more formal context?

In more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "it is challenging to establish" or "verification is problematic" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some less formal alternatives to "it is difficult to prove"?

For less formal situations, you might use phrases such as "it is hard to demonstrate" or "it's not easy to substantiate".

Is there a difference in meaning between "it is difficult to prove" and "it remains unproven"?

"It is difficult to prove" suggests the process of proving is challenging, while "it remains unproven" focuses on the current state of lacking proof. The former emphasizes the effort, and the latter emphasizes the lack of result.

When should I use the idiom "proving it is an uphill battle" instead of "it is difficult to prove"?

Use "proving it is an uphill battle" when you want to emphasize the significant effort and struggle involved in proving something, adding a more vivid and figurative element to your expression.