it is very difficult to get a man to understand something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is very difficult to get a man to understand something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the challenges of conveying ideas or concepts to someone, particularly in a context where understanding is crucial. Example: "In discussions about complex topics, it is very difficult to get a man to understand something without clear explanations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For those who have staked out extreme positions, backtracking may not be easy: "It is very difficult to get a man to understand something when his tribal identity depends on his not understanding it," Bérubé notes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One would think such large, wealthy companies would be able to detect it first, but it is also worthwhile to remember Upton Sinclair's observation that "it is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it".

TechCrunch

When it comes to PwC and the ratings agencies, Upton Sinclair got it right: "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his job depends on not understanding it". My own background as an AIG exec adds an extra dimension to my sense of outrage.

HuffPost

And that's why Upton Sinclair said, "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it".

Huffington Post

There's a great quote from Upton Sinclair: "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it".

Vice

The reason for that is brilliantly summed up by that non-economist Upton Sinclair: "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it".

The Guardian - Opinion

The next time you try to convince an obstinate supervisor that you really know something about teaching, remember "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his job depends on not understanding it".

Huffington Post

Upton Sinclair once said, "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it". I haven't been to a gas station since September 2013 when my electric Tesla Model S was delivered.

HuffPost

It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on not understanding it.

Forbes

Upton Sinclair once quipped, "It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it".

The New York Times

She may not agree, but as Upton Sinclair remarked: "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it is very difficult to get a man to understand something", ensure that the context clearly identifies the specific barrier to understanding, whether it be bias, lack of information, or conflicting incentives.

Common error

Avoid using "it is very difficult to get a man to understand something" as a blanket statement without identifying the root cause of the difficulty. Be specific about the obstacles preventing comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a statement of difficulty in conveying information or ideas effectively. The sentence highlights barriers to understanding, stemming from bias, conflicting interests or lack of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is very difficult to get a man to understand something" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the challenge of imparting knowledge or understanding. While correct, it is advisable to consider more inclusive alternatives like "it is very difficult to get someone to understand something". Ludwig AI indicates the structure is correct. The phrase is relatively rare in usage, appearing most frequently in news and media contexts. The core issue is often related to underlying biases or conflicting incentives, and clear communication is essential. Therefore, being specific on causes and using alternatives are best practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's hard to make someone grasp something

Emphasizes the effort required to ensure understanding.

it's challenging to help a person comprehend something

Highlights the difficulty in assisting someone's understanding.

it's tough to get through to someone

Focuses on the struggle to communicate effectively.

it's an uphill battle to convince someone

Suggests a persistent and arduous effort to persuade.

it's a struggle to get someone to see your point

Highlights the difficulty in achieving shared perspective.

it's difficult to impart understanding

Focuses on the challenge of conveying knowledge effectively.

it's a tough sell to get someone to understand

Emphasizes the persuasive effort needed for comprehension.

it's no easy task to make someone understand

Highlights the complexity and effort involved.

it's like talking to a brick wall

Uses a simile to illustrate the futility of the communication.

it's a lost cause trying to explain it to them

Suggests that the effort to explain is futile and unlikely to succeed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is very difficult to get a man to understand something"?

You can use alternatives like "it's hard to make someone grasp something", "it's challenging to help a person comprehend something", or "it's tough to get through to someone depending on the context.

Is it better to use "it is difficult" or "it is very difficult"?

"It is very difficult" intensifies the degree of difficulty compared to "it is difficult". Use the former when you want to emphasize a significant challenge.

What are some common reasons why "it is very difficult to get a man to understand something"?

Common reasons include pre-existing biases, conflicting interests, lack of relevant knowledge, or an unwillingness to accept new information.

Can I use "it is very difficult to get someone to understand something" instead of "it is very difficult to get a man to understand something"?

Yes, "it is very difficult to get someone to understand something" is a more inclusive and gender-neutral alternative.