it is difficult to show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is difficult to show" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a concept, idea, or evidence that is challenging to demonstrate or illustrate. Example: "In this study, it is difficult to show a direct correlation between the variables due to the complexity of the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Sometimes it is difficult to show restraint.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to show statistically that drivers have become more reckless in the last decade.

The New York Times

They know it is difficult to show up and do your best when plagued by worry.

Nature

It is difficult to show that any other interventions, such as careers advice, have been effective," she said.

The Guardian

Second, even if one could show that CEO incentives cause particular actions, it is difficult to show that such actions are myopic, i.e., erode long-term value.

Harvard University

The Ninth Circuit noted that it is "difficult to show that this omitted information was indeed material" and suggested that the level of culpability that Plaintiffs would need to demonstrate as something closer to gross negligence.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's difficult to show employment records.

The Guardian

It's difficult to show consistency in the Premier League".

Independent

It's difficult to show that areas of improvement in a game translate to daily activities," Dr. Daffner says.

Harvard University

It's difficult to show courage when you're an opposition leader as you're not technically doing anything.

Independent

When you're dealing with wrongful-conviction lawsuits, it's difficult to show whose fault it was, because it's usually a series of mistakes".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "challenging", "hard", or "problematic" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition when expressing similar ideas.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it is difficult to show" without explaining the reasons behind the difficulty. Always elaborate on the factors that make the demonstration challenging to give the reader a better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is difficult to show" serves as an evaluative statement, indicating the degree of challenge associated with demonstrating or proving a particular point. It introduces a note of caution or qualification, highlighting the complexities involved.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is difficult to show" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express that something is challenging to demonstrate or prove. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in English writing. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide context explaining why the demonstration is challenging to add clarity. Alternatives include "it is challenging to demonstrate" or "it is hard to prove", offering variety in your writing. Overall, "it is difficult to show" is a useful phrase for conveying complexities in arguments and findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is challenging to demonstrate

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "show" with "demonstrate", emphasizing the demanding nature of the task.

it is hard to prove

Substitutes "difficult" with "hard" and "show" with "prove", highlighting the struggle to establish evidence.

it is not easy to illustrate

Uses "not easy" in place of "difficult" and "illustrate" instead of "show", suggesting a lack of straightforwardness in making something clear.

it's a challenge to exhibit

Replaces "difficult" with "a challenge" and "show" with "exhibit", suggesting the presence of obstacles in displaying something.

proving this poses difficulties

Focuses on the difficulties involved in proving something, using a more formal tone.

demonstrating this is problematic

Emphasizes the problematic nature of demonstrating something, shifting the focus to the existence of problems.

establishing this is troublesome

Highlights the bothersome nature of establishing something, introducing a nuance of inconvenience.

it is tough to present

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough" and "show" with "present", underlining the resilience required in presenting something.

it is arduous to evidence

Replaces "difficult" with "arduous" and "show" with "evidence", implying a laborious effort in providing proof.

it is complex to reveal

Uses "complex" in place of "difficult" and "reveal" instead of "show", highlighting the intricacy in uncovering something.

FAQs

What does "it is difficult to show" mean?

The phrase "it is difficult to show" means that something is challenging to demonstrate, prove, or illustrate. It suggests there are obstacles or complexities involved in providing evidence or making something clear.

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

You can use alternatives like "it is challenging to demonstrate", "it is hard to prove", or "it is not easy to illustrate" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is difficult to show"?

Yes, "it is difficult to show" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is difficult to show"?

It's appropriate to use "it is difficult to show" when you want to express that demonstrating a particular point or providing evidence for something is challenging due to various factors, such as lack of data, complexity, or conflicting evidence.