it is however difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is however difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting point or to emphasize a challenge in a discussion or argument. Example: "The project has many advantages; it is however difficult to implement due to budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is, however, difficult to understand the carrying capacity especially in coastal and marine areas.

Marine Policy

It is, however, difficult to assess such clustering, (local effects on transmission), using traditional statistical methods.

Mathematical Biosciences

It is however difficult to integrate evidence across different recording methods and repetition paradigms.

Cortex

It is, however, difficult to ensure that employers comply with the spirit of the law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is, however, difficult to believe the British public would be prepared for so drastic a dose of renewed Thatcherism.

The Guardian - Opinion

In common practical scenarios, it is, however, difficult for the server to have the full knowledge about the network status.

Signal Processing: Image Communication

It is, however, difficult to perform after transpedicular instrumentation because the pedicle screws are in the way.

The Spine Journal

It is, however, difficult to correlate these arcs to specific elementary processes in the oxygen reduction process, as the measured impedance is very sensitive to test circumstances.

Electrochimica Acta

It is, however, difficult to imagine a John Woo movie about gold hunting ninjas not making it to multiplex screens everywhere.

The Guardian - Tech

It is, however, difficult to imagine tens of thousands of passionate skiers and snowboarders converting to the less exhilarating sport of snow walking.

The Guardian - Travel

It is, however, difficult to establish which districts he traversed and which he may have described from information gathered en route.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is however difficult" to introduce a contrasting point after acknowledging certain advantages or possibilities. This phrase works best when you want to concede a challenge without negating the previously mentioned positives.

Common error

Avoid using "however" multiple times in a single paragraph or in consecutive sentences. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and clunky. If you've already used "however", consider using alternatives like "nevertheless", "nonetheless", or "despite this".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is however difficult" functions as an adverbial phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to introduce a contrasting point or to concede a potential challenge that exists alongside other factors or considerations. This phrase is used to present a balanced perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is however difficult" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to introduce a contrasting point or acknowledge a challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and news-related writing. While common, it's essential to avoid overuse of "however" and be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning when repositioning "however" within the sentence. Consider related phrases such as "it is nonetheless challenging" or "it is still difficult" for stylistic variation. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "it is however difficult" into your writing to convey balanced and nuanced perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is nonetheless challenging

Emphasizes the challenging aspect despite previous points.

it is still difficult

Highlights the persistence of the difficulty.

it remains a challenge

Shifts the focus to the ongoing nature of the difficulty.

it presents certain obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles rather than a general difficulty.

it poses some difficulties

Similar to the original but less direct.

it is not without its challenges

Understates the difficulty, implying it exists but isn't insurmountable.

it's proving to be complex

Focuses on the complexity of the issue.

achieving this is problematic

Highlights the problematic aspect of achieving something.

this poses a real problem

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the situation.

this is far from straightforward

Emphasizes the complexity by stating that it is not simple.

FAQs

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

This phrase is typically used to introduce a contrasting point or challenge. For example: "The plan is ambitious; "it is however difficult" to implement due to budget constraints."

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

Alternatives include "it is nonetheless challenging", "it is still difficult", or "it remains a challenge" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "however"?

While starting a sentence with "however" is grammatically acceptable, it is often considered more formal. In less formal contexts, consider placing "however" within the sentence: "It is, "it is however difficult", to predict the outcome."

What's the difference between "it is however difficult" and "it is difficult however"?

The placement of "however" can subtly change the emphasis. "It is however difficult" places a slightly stronger emphasis on the difficulty itself. "It is difficult however" is generally less formal and can sound more conversational.