it is difficult to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is hard to understand or interpret, such as text, handwriting, or complex information. Example: "The handwriting on the note was so messy that it is difficult to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

And it is difficult to read.

The New Yorker

It is difficult to read this scene without cringing.

The New York Times - Books

I recognize that for all of us – myself in particular – it is difficult to read many of the report's findings.

The New York Times

It is difficult to read about the efforts now being made to keep even earlier preemies alive.

The New Yorker

It is difficult to read the such attacks on modernism as anything other than an attack on social housing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I recognize that for all of us — myself in particular — it is difficult to read many of the report's findings," the memo said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Its elegies are bluntly sad and its poems touching on suicide, often idealizing it, are difficult to read.

Huffington Post

Older ones complain that it's difficult to read.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was so dark that it was difficult to read the names on the seats.

The New York Times

It was difficult to read in a hearing which way he was going to go.

The New York Times

But it was difficult to read some of the passages in a vacuum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is difficult to read", be specific about the cause of the difficulty. For instance, mention if it's due to poor handwriting, complex language, or a cluttered layout.

Common error

Avoid using "it is difficult to read" without providing context or reasons. Saying why something is hard to read enhances clarity and makes your writing more informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to read" functions as a descriptive expression. It indicates a challenge in understanding or deciphering something, typically a written text or information. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is difficult to read" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe challenges in understanding written material or information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, specify the reason for the difficulty. Alternatives include "it is hard to understand" and "it is challenging to comprehend". While versatile, avoid overuse without proper context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's hard to understand

Focuses on the challenge in grasping the meaning, using simpler vocabulary.

it is challenging to comprehend

Emphasizes the intellectual effort required for understanding.

it's not easy to decipher

Highlights the act of decoding or interpreting something unclear.

it's tough to make out

Suggests difficulty in visually distinguishing or understanding something.

it presents a reading challenge

Frames the text as posing a problem for the reader.

the text is barely legible

Indicates that the writing is almost impossible to read due to poor quality.

the material is dense and inaccessible

Describes the content as being complex and hard to approach.

understanding it requires effort

Highlights the need for active engagement and work to understand.

it's obscured and unclear

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and the presence of something hiding the meaning.

the meaning is elusive

Suggests the meaning is hard to catch or define.

FAQs

What does "it is difficult to read" mean?

The phrase "it is difficult to read" means that something is challenging to understand or decipher, often due to its complexity, poor presentation, or illegibility.

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

You can use "it is difficult to read" to describe any content that poses a challenge to comprehension. For example: "The handwriting on the old manuscript "it is difficult to read"."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is hard to understand", "it is challenging to comprehend", or "it is not easy to decipher" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it is difficult to read" vs. "it is impossible to read"?

"It is difficult to read" suggests a challenge in understanding, while "it is impossible to read" indicates complete illegibility or incomprehensibility. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of difficulty.