it is difficult to put

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to put" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is challenging to articulate or express clearly. Example: "It is difficult to put into words the emotions I felt during that moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Harris's book is so engaging that it is difficult to put down, and its haunting assessments make it difficult for a reader to sleep at night.

The New York Times - Books

It is difficult to put my finger on it.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is difficult to put a timescale on it, but it will be a bit longer.

Independent

But "it is difficult to put together a designation in that time frame," Mr. Tierney said.

The New York Times - Arts

It is difficult to put money into green, even if people know they should".

The New York Times

"It is difficult to put as much artistically into commercials," he admits, "but I try.

The Guardian - Books

It is difficult to put into words how humiliated I felt.

The Guardian

It is difficult to put an exact price on BT's stake in Cegetel, but around euro4 billion is plausible.

The Economist

But it is difficult (to put it mildly) to see the British or French agreeing to this.

The Economist

There is an enormous amount to read in this volume, but it is difficult to put down.

The New York Times - Books

Many factors—social, demographic, economic, political affect crime rates, so it is difficult to put a finger on the vital clue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is difficult to put", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is difficult to express or quantify. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is difficult to put" without specifying what the difficulty pertains to. For instance, instead of saying "It is difficult to put", specify, "It is difficult to put into words the complexity of the situation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to put" primarily functions as an introductory expression indicating a challenge in articulating, defining, or quantifying something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound expression commonly used to preface a statement of difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is difficult to put" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a statement about something that's challenging to express or quantify. According to Ludwig AI, its prevalence spans across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the difficulty pertains to. Alternatives like ""it is hard to express"" or ""it is challenging to articulate"" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's challenging to articulate

Focuses on the difficulty of expressing something clearly.

it's hard to express

Emphasizes the struggle to convey a thought or feeling.

it's tough to place

Highlights the problem of identifying or categorizing something.

it is not easy to phrase

Indicates the challenge of formulating a statement.

it's difficult to define

Focuses on the problem of providing a clear definition.

it is hard to quantify

Specifies the difficulty of measuring or assigning a numerical value.

it is not simple to express

Stresses the lack of simplicity in conveying something.

it's a struggle to convey

Emphasizes the effort required to communicate effectively.

it's nearly impossible to state

Suggests a high degree of difficulty in making a statement.

it is complex to formulate

Highlights the complexity involved in developing a plan or statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is difficult to put" to express challenges in articulating, quantifying, or defining something. For instance, "It is difficult to put a precise figure on the cost" or "It is difficult to put my feelings into words".

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

Alternatives include "it is hard to express", "it is challenging to articulate", or "it is tough to place", depending on the specific context.

Is "it is difficult to put" formal or informal?

"It is difficult to put" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in highly formal writing.

When should I use "it is difficult to put" instead of a more specific phrase?

Use "it is difficult to put" when you want to generally express the challenge of articulating or quantifying something. For more specific situations, consider alternatives like "it is difficult to quantify" (for numbers) or "it is hard to express" (for feelings).