it is pretty difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is pretty difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is challenging or hard to accomplish. Example: "Learning a new language can be quite overwhelming; it is pretty difficult to master all the grammar rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It is pretty difficult to be short-term oriented and have that kind of record".

The New York Times

It is pretty difficult to make a nuclear weapon.

The Guardian

"It is pretty difficult to play Wimbledon, go home and come back to clay".

The New York Times - Sports

The only downside is that it is pretty difficult to learn Spanish from people who speak with a French accent!

Cornell University

I think it is pretty difficult to listen to men and women talking about the trauma and the loss they have suffered without feeling something.

The Economist

It is pretty difficult to leave Do or Dine without feeling very full and very fat, and it would be nice if the chefs devoted any energy at all to vegetables.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It rocks, it grooves, it jives, it moves, but in 2011, it's pretty difficult to speak its simplistic language.

Huffington Post

It's pretty difficult to hit".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was pretty difficult," he says of his abrupt departure.

Independent

But by that time it's pretty difficult.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's pretty difficult to hide your accent," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is pretty difficult" to convey a sense of something being noticeably challenging, but not necessarily insurmountable. Consider the context to determine if a more formal or emphatic phrase would be more appropriate.

Common error

While "pretty" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your language by using alternatives like "quite", "rather", or more specific adjectives that describe the nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is pretty difficult" functions as a descriptive statement. It uses the adjective "difficult" modified by the adverb "pretty" to indicate a moderate level of challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is pretty difficult" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something presents a notable challenge. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its usability in various contexts. While it's generally neutral in register, consider opting for more formal alternatives like "it is rather challenging" in academic or professional settings. Remember to avoid overusing "pretty" and vary your language to maintain sophistication in your writing. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is rather challenging

Substitutes "pretty" with "rather" and "difficult" with "challenging", making it slightly more formal.

it is quite tough

Replaces "pretty difficult" with "quite tough", offering a more direct and less nuanced expression of difficulty.

it is fairly hard

Uses "fairly hard" instead of "pretty difficult", providing a simpler alternative.

it is somewhat problematic

Emphasizes the problematic aspect of the difficulty, suggesting potential issues or obstacles.

it presents a challenge

Rephrases the difficulty as a challenge, focusing on the opportunity for overcoming it.

it is no walk in the park

An idiomatic expression implying that something is not easy, often used in informal contexts.

it's an uphill battle

This metaphor highlights the struggle and sustained effort required.

it's a tough nut to crack

An idiomatic expression describing a problem that is hard to solve.

it is demanding

Focuses on the demanding nature of the task, highlighting the effort required.

it is arduous

Highlights the laboriousness and strain involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is pretty difficult" to describe a task, situation, or concept that presents a notable challenge. For example, "Learning a new language "it is pretty difficult", but also very rewarding".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is rather challenging", "it is quite tough", or "it is fairly hard" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it is pretty difficult" too informal for academic writing?

While "it is pretty difficult" is generally acceptable, it might be considered slightly informal for strict academic writing. In such contexts, using phrases like "it is rather challenging" or "it presents a challenge" could be more appropriate.

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

"It is very difficult" expresses a stronger degree of difficulty than ""it is pretty difficult"". The word "pretty" softens the statement, suggesting a noticeable but not overwhelming challenge, while "very" emphasizes a high degree of difficulty.