it is really difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is really difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the challenge or complexity of a task or situation. Example: "Learning a new language can be overwhelming; it is really difficult to master all the grammar rules and vocabulary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is really difficult to read, both because its lack of focus and the impressive number of typos it contains (too numerous to be listed here!).

Biology Direct

Except it is really difficult.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is really difficult not getting paid.

The Guardian

It is really difficult to accept.

The Guardian - Sport

It is really difficult to figure out".

The Guardian - Arts

"It is really difficult to know what they are doing.

The Guardian

Sometimes it is really difficult to control such types of problems by analytical calculation procedures.

Thin-Walled Structures

It is really difficult to optimize airfoils with this large number of co-ordinates.

Journal of King Saud University - Engineering Sciences

It is really difficult to get that diagnosis," she said.

The Guardian

It is really difficult on the other children.

The New York Times - Health

"It is really difficult to get those papers," Vervoort said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by occasionally substituting "really difficult" with stronger synonyms like "exceptionally challenging", "formidable", or "arduous" to avoid repetition.

Common error

While "it is really difficult" is acceptable, overuse of "really" can weaken your writing. Opt for more descriptive adjectives like "challenging", "complex", or "arduous" to convey the intensity of the difficulty more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is really difficult" functions as an adjectival phrase, where "difficult" is the main adjective and "really" serves as an intensifier. This phrase modifies an implied noun, denoting a challenging or complex situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is really difficult" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey the challenging nature of a task or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and usable in various contexts. While its neutral register makes it versatile, remember to consider stronger synonyms to add more impact in your writing. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it a valuable tool for expressing complexity across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is genuinely challenging

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "really" with "genuinely", emphasizing the demanding nature.

it is exceptionally tough

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough" and "really" with "exceptionally", indicating high resistance.

it presents considerable challenges

Shifts from a direct statement to highlighting the challenges involved.

it's a formidable task

Uses "formidable task" to describe the difficulty level of the task.

it's far from easy

Uses understatement to express difficulty.

it poses significant hurdles

Replaces the adjective with a phrase emphasizing obstacles.

it requires substantial effort

Focuses on the effort needed rather than the difficulty itself.

it is anything but straightforward

Employs a double negative to highlight the complexity.

it's an uphill battle

Uses a metaphorical expression for a challenging situation.

it is no walk in the park

Uses an idiom to describe a situation that is not easy.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is really difficult" to express that something requires a lot of effort or skill. For example, "It is really difficult to master a new language".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is very challenging", "it is exceptionally tough", or "it presents considerable challenges" depending on the context.

Is "it is really difficult" formal or informal?

The phrase "it is really difficult" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "it is genuinely challenging" to maintain a higher level of formality.

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

"It is really difficult" emphasizes a greater degree of difficulty compared to "it is quite difficult". The word "really" adds more intensity to the expression of difficulty.