it is proving difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is proving difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or task that is becoming challenging or hard to manage. Example: "Despite our best efforts, it is proving difficult to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I'm trying to contact them but it is proving difficult.

The Guardian

"The banks are all trying to do that in Britain, and to date it is proving difficult," he added.

The New York Times

But it is proving difficult to wean people off processed foods such as tinned beef and mutton, which represent, to those who can afford them, a Western lifestyle.

Independent

At the same time, American analysts say that India's military spending process is so chaotic and unfocused that it is proving difficult to complete deals.

The New York Times

Unfortunately for Baldini, it is proving difficult to make that argument stick, such is the suspicion towards anything coming out of Rome.

The Guardian

We are quite keen to avoid the cosy broadly leftwing anti-James Blunt consensus I have spotted elsewhere, but it is proving difficult.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Alkaline side optimum pH of hydrolases is always desirable, and it is proved difficult to achieve that by mutation only.

Journal of Biotechnology

It was proving difficult to find.

The New York Times - Travel

I was trying to buy a ticket for the Trans-Siberian Railway to Europe, but it was proving difficult.

The New York Times

But it was proving difficult to keep track of such details as the lethal toll continued to rise.

Independent

There are specialist academic and apprentice institutions – curry colleges – but it's proving difficult to get people to sign up.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is proving difficult", ensure that the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "it is proving difficult." Instead, consider rephrasing the sentence to emphasize the actor or cause of the difficulty. For example, instead of "It is proving difficult to obtain funding," try "Obtaining funding is proving difficult."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is proving difficult" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular task or situation is presenting challenges. Ludwig AI shows this phrase used in various contexts to express difficulty in achieving a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is proving difficult" is a commonly used phrase to express challenges or obstacles in achieving a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across different contexts. While grammatically sound and frequently used, writers should be mindful of overusing it and should consider related phrases to add variety and precision to their writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is becoming challenging

Replaces 'proving difficult' with 'becoming challenging', emphasizing the increasing level of difficulty.

it is turning out to be hard

Replaces 'proving difficult' with 'turning out to be hard', suggesting an unexpected level of difficulty.

it is posing a challenge

Replaces the original phrase, framing the situation as actively presenting a challenge.

it is not easy

A simpler and more direct way of saying something is difficult.

it presents obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles that are causing the difficulty.

it faces complications

Highlights the presence of complicating factors.

it has met with resistance

Indicates opposition or resistance is causing the difficulty.

it struggles to succeed

Emphasizes the lack of success due to the difficulties.

it is arduous

Replaces the phrase with a single adjective emphasizing the laboriousness of the task.

it is an uphill battle

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the difficulty of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is proving difficult" to describe a task or situation that is challenging to manage. For example, "Despite our best efforts, "it is proving difficult" to meet the project deadline".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is becoming challenging", "it is turning out to be hard", or "it is not easy", depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "it is proving difficult"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "it presents obstacles" or "it faces complications" in a more formal context.

When is it appropriate to use "it is proving difficult" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "it is proving difficult" when you want to convey that something is not only hard, but that the difficulty has become apparent or is ongoing. Avoid overusing it and consider variations for better impact.