it is exceptionally difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: "Learning a new language is difficult, but mastering it is exceptionally difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But it is exceptionally difficult to get it right.

The New York Times

As we have seen year after year, it is exceptionally difficult to repeat after winning the championship.

The New York Times

In fairness to cellphone makers, it is exceptionally difficult to design anything really well, especially a technically complex product that is manufactured in huge quantities.

The New York Times - Style

It is exceptionally difficult to play because the traditional placing of the finger holes is scientifically irrational; yet this is essential to the production of a tone quality that has been one of the primary orchestral colours since the late Baroque era.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This approach involves treating an ape as a fellow social being, with whom one plays and interacts as far as possible as one would with a human child; it also, almost inevitably, results in a style of research where it is exceptionally difficult to control precisely the cues that the ape may be using and even hard to avoid an overly rich, anthropomorphic interpretation of the ape's behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is exceptionally difficult and costly to terminate an employee.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But it's exceptionally difficult to do, partly because "beginning, middle and end" just works for the human brain.

The Guardian - Tech

Moynihan accepted it was "exceptionally difficult to call" how many members of the "Olympic family" would turn up.

The Guardian - Sport

Asked if it was possible to be a good father while serving a community so isolated from Westminster, Reed said it was "exceptionally difficult".

The Guardian

"It's exceptionally difficult to defeat an icon, especially when there's no overwhelming argument to get rid of him," said Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic political consultant.

The New York Times

It's exceptionally difficult to take sides with this show: the villains are victims, the victims are villains, and the show's most sympathetic character — Philip, so tender with his children, so intelligent and complex — is a cold Soviet assassin.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is exceptionally difficult" to emphasize the significant degree of challenge involved in a task or situation. This phrase adds weight and formality to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is exceptionally difficult" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's really hard" or "it's quite tough" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is exceptionally difficult" functions as a statement expressing a high degree of challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show it being used to describe tasks ranging from designing cellphones to firing tenured faculty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is exceptionally difficult" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a significant challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various domains. While versatile, its formal tone makes it most appropriate for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. Consider simpler alternatives like "it is remarkably hard" in casual settings. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Science, reflecting its utility in describing complex real-world scenarios. Remember to avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is exceedingly challenging

Replaces "exceptionally difficult" with "exceedingly challenging", maintaining a formal tone but slightly altering the intensity.

it is remarkably hard

Substitutes "exceptionally difficult" with "remarkably hard", reducing formality while preserving the core meaning.

it is particularly tough

Replaces "exceptionally difficult" with "particularly tough", offering a more informal and direct expression of difficulty.

it is extraordinarily complex

Shifts the focus from difficulty to complexity, suggesting intricate challenges rather than mere hardship.

it presents a significant hurdle

Uses a more metaphorical expression, framing the difficulty as an obstacle to overcome.

it poses a considerable challenge

Similar to the previous alternative, it emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.

it's no easy task

Offers an informal and understated expression of difficulty, suitable for casual contexts.

it requires great effort

Focuses on the effort needed, highlighting the intensity and dedication involved.

it's an uphill battle

Employs a metaphorical expression, suggesting a constant struggle against resistance.

it's a major undertaking

Highlights the scale and ambition of the task, emphasizing the resources and commitment required.

FAQs

What does "it is exceptionally difficult" mean?

The phrase "it is exceptionally difficult" means that something is extremely challenging or hard to accomplish. It implies a higher degree of difficulty than simply saying something is "difficult".

When is it appropriate to use "it is exceptionally difficult"?

It is appropriate to use "it is exceptionally difficult" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional settings where you want to emphasize the significant challenge involved in a particular task or situation. In more casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives.

What can I say instead of "it is exceptionally difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "it is exceedingly challenging", "it is remarkably hard", or "it is particularly tough" depending on the context.

Is "it is exceptionally difficult" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is exceptionally difficult" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is a commonly used phrase as confirmed by Ludwig.