it is more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is more difficult" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a comparative phrase and can be used to describe a situation or task that is more challenging than another. Example: Writing a novel is difficult, but writing a screenplay is even more difficult.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is more difficult.

Independent

"In big houses it is more difficult.

The New York Times

In the UK it is more difficult.

The Guardian - Arts

But it is more difficult," he repeats.

The Guardian - Music

It is more difficult to work.

The New York Times - Science

But obtaining competitive advantage from it is more difficult.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It is more difficult to fight one another," he answered.

The New York Times

It is more difficult now than possibly ever before.

Independent

"And it is more difficult," Admiral Mullen said.

The New York Times

He said: "It is more difficult with Portsmouth.

Independent

It is more difficult but it is not impossible".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is more difficult", ensure you clearly define what 'it' refers to and what it is being compared to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it is more difficult" without specifying the context of the difficulty. Always clarify what makes it more difficult compared to something else, or the statement loses its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is more difficult" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It expresses a higher degree of difficulty relative to something else, as shown in Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is more difficult" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase that signals an increased level of challenge. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase functions to compare the relative difficulty between two subjects, making it essential to provide clear context for effective communication. As shown by Ludwig's examples and the distribution across different registers, this phrase is versatile and adaptable across a spectrum of writing styles. Using this phrase effectively involves clear context and awareness of potential synonyms to precisely convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it presents a greater challenge

Focuses on the challenge aspect, implying a task requires more effort.

it is considerably harder

Emphasizes the increased level of difficulty using "harder".

it poses greater obstacles

Highlights the obstacles involved, suggesting barriers that need to be overcome.

it requires more effort

Shifts focus to the amount of effort needed to accomplish something.

it is a steeper climb

Uses a metaphorical comparison to a steep incline to represent the increased difficulty.

it's a bigger ask

Implies the task requires more resources, time or commitment.

it is a tougher proposition

Highlights the difficulty as it relates to planning and strategizing.

it is more demanding

Emphasizes the high requirements of the task.

it is a greater undertaking

Suggests that the task is a project that is larger in scope and effort.

it is a more complex task

Indicates a higher level of intricacy or complication.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is more difficult" to compare the difficulty of two tasks or situations. For example, "While learning one language can be challenging, learning three simultaneously means "it is more difficult"".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is more difficult"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it presents a greater challenge", "it is considerably harder", or "it requires more effort".

Is it correct to say "it is difficult" instead of "it is more difficult"?

Yes, "it is difficult" is correct, but it doesn't make a comparison. Use "it is more difficult" when you want to emphasize that something is harder compared to something else.

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

"It is more difficult" compares the difficulty between two things at a single point in time. "It is increasingly difficult" implies that the difficulty is growing or becoming greater over time.