it is fairly difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is fairly difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a task or situation that presents a moderate level of challenge. Example: "While the exam was not impossible, it is fairly difficult, requiring a good understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In practical applications, however, spectra obtained include so many peak frequencies that it is fairly difficult to identify the defect correctly.

Construction and Building Materials

It is fairly difficult today not to have a footprint – or a faceprint, given the sophistication of facial recognition technologies – on the Internet.

The New York Times

It is fairly difficult to evade taxes on legitimate investments because the I.R.S. can crosscheck the forms supplied by the company and the individual.

The New York Times

"In reality, there's lots of other people posting information about you without your control and it is fairly difficult – if not impossible – to police the social media circles of everyone you know," says Marwick.

The Guardian - Tech

In spite of the multiple advantages, it is fairly difficult to maintain a desired level of QoS for multimedia applications in a multihop network like WMN.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"The council took away part of the facility a few years ago and it is fairly difficult, or impossible, to access the pier today".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"It's fairly difficult to counterinvade their space," Mr. Osha said.

The New York Times

"It's fairly difficult to believe in this comeback, but anything is possible in football," the striker said.

Independent

Best fans It's fairly difficult to judge as most fans have had plenty to sing about against us this season!

The Guardian - Sport

It's fairly difficult to achieve an effect of coziness in such vast, echoing spaces, although we were given a glimpse of the Presidential slippers under the Presidential bed.

The New Yorker

The idea of reworking Dylan songs might seem as futile as rewriting Wuthering Heights given that it's fairly difficult, looking back over more than half a century, to think of more than a couple of Bob Dylan cover versions that are even faintly as interesting as the original.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is fairly difficult", ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what "it" refers to. For example, specify the task, concept, or situation you're describing. Clear reference enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is fairly difficult" when the subject is actually extremely challenging. If the task is near impossible, opt for stronger phrasing like "it is exceedingly difficult" or "it is close to impossible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is fairly difficult" primarily functions as a subject complement, providing information about the subject ("it"). Ludwig AI shows it describes a task, situation, or concept as presenting a moderate level of challenge. The "it" acts as a placeholder, with the complement clarifying the nature of the subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is fairly difficult" is a versatile phrase used to describe tasks or situations presenting a moderate challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across diverse contexts like News, Science and Wiki. While common, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "it is quite challenging" or "it presents some difficulties" offer nuanced options. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "it is fairly difficult" to convey the appropriate level of complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is reasonably challenging

Replaces "difficult" with a synonym, "challenging", maintaining a similar level of formality and intensity; "fairly" is replaced with "reasonably".

it is moderately complex

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex", shifting the focus to intricacy rather than hardship; "fairly" is replaced with "moderately".

it is somewhat problematic

Employs "problematic" instead of "difficult", highlighting potential issues or obstacles; "fairly" is replaced with "somewhat".

it is quite demanding

Uses "demanding" to emphasize the effort or requirements involved, conveying a sense of difficulty; "fairly" is replaced with "quite".

it is a tough ask

Introduces a more idiomatic expression, indicating a challenging request or task, diverging slightly in formality; "difficult" is replaced with "tough ask".

it presents some difficulties

Rephrases the statement to focus on the presence of difficulties rather than directly describing the level of difficulty.

it involves a degree of complexity

Shifts the emphasis to the inherent complexity of the situation, indirectly implying difficulty.

it isn't exactly straightforward

Employs an understatement to suggest that the task or situation is not easy, implying a level of difficulty.

it requires considerable effort

Focuses on the amount of effort needed, indicating that the task is not simple or easy, thus implying difficulty.

it poses certain challenges

Highlights the presence of challenges, suggesting that the task is not without its difficulties, changing from adjective "difficult" to the noun "challenges".

FAQs

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

Use "it is fairly difficult" to describe a task or situation that presents a moderate level of challenge. For instance, "While the exam was not impossible, "it is fairly difficult", requiring a good understanding of the material."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "it is quite challenging", "it is somewhat hard", or "it presents some difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is fairly difficult"?

Yes, "it is fairly difficult" is a grammatically sound and widely accepted phrase in English. It conveys a moderate level of difficulty or challenge.

What is the difference between "it is fairly difficult" and "it is very difficult"?

"It is fairly difficult" suggests a moderate level of difficulty, while "it is very difficult" implies a higher degree of challenge. The choice depends on the specific situation and the level of difficulty you want to convey.