it may prove difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may prove difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a potential challenge or obstacle that might arise in a situation. Example: "While we are optimistic about the project, it may prove difficult to meet the tight deadlines set by the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

With the general election scheduled for May 2015 it may prove difficult to appoint his successor until the next government is formed, given the size of the stake controlled by the Treasury through UK Financial Investments.

The Guardian - Business

But it may prove difficult to implement.

MIT Technology Review

Even so, it may prove difficult to keep unified support.

The Economist

Of course, it may prove difficult for the Knicks to do so.

The New York Times

It may prove difficult to fit this secularizing party into a governing coalition.

The New York Times

In that sense, it may prove difficult for others to replicate.

The Guardian

This antagonism has been heightened by the fee-for-service model, and it may prove difficult to shed.

The New Yorker

Indeed, it may prove difficult to associate many of the findings in the Kaiser study with the Affordable Care Act.

The New York Times

However, it may prove difficult to hold individual politicians accountable for large-scale, multi-faceted projects that extend far beyond their direct purview.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Indeed, it may prove difficult to follow each and every case in a country where questionable business practices are so widespread.

The New York Times

And, for now at least, it may prove difficult for the league to persuade fans to forget about what has happened and move on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may prove difficult", consider specifying the reason for the difficulty to provide context and clarity. For example, "It may prove difficult to secure funding due to the current economic climate".

Common error

Avoid using "it may prove difficult" as a standalone statement without explaining why. This can leave the reader wondering about the nature of the challenge. Always follow up with a specific reason or explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may prove difficult" functions as an anticipatory statement regarding a potential obstacle or challenge. It suggests that a certain course of action or situation might encounter problems, as illustrated by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may prove difficult" is a versatile phrase used to introduce potential challenges or obstacles. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While alternatives like ""it might be challenging"" or ""it could be hard"" exist, the key is to provide context and specify the reasons for the potential difficulty. Remember to use "it may prove difficult" to express caution and prompt further consideration, ensuring clarity and avoiding overuse without explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be challenging

Uses 'challenging' instead of 'difficult', suggesting a stimulating but demanding task.

it could be hard

Replaces 'may prove' with 'could be', indicating a possibility of hardship or effort.

it may be problematic

Substitutes 'difficult' with 'problematic', implying potential issues or complications.

it may present difficulties

Uses a more formal tone by saying "present difficulties" instead of "prove difficult."

it may not be easy

Expresses the difficulty in a more straightforward and less formal way.

it may involve complications

Focuses on the potential for complex or intricate issues to arise.

it may require significant effort

Highlights the necessity of substantial exertion or energy.

it may encounter obstacles

Suggests the presence of impediments or barriers that must be overcome.

it may face hurdles

Similar to 'encounter obstacles', emphasizing the need to jump over challenges.

it may test one's abilities

Shifts the focus to the assessment or evaluation of someone's skills.

FAQs

How can I use "it may prove difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "it may prove difficult" to introduce a potential challenge or obstacle. For example, "While the plan is promising, "it may prove difficult" to implement effectively given the limited resources".

What are some alternatives to "it may prove difficult"?

Alternatives include "it might be challenging", "it could be hard", or "it may be problematic" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it may be difficult" or "it may prove difficult"?

Both "it may be difficult" and ""it may prove difficult"" are grammatically correct. "It may prove difficult" often suggests that the difficulty will become apparent over time or through experience, but the difference is subtle.

What's the difference between "it may prove difficult" and "it will be difficult"?

"It will be difficult" expresses a higher degree of certainty about the difficulty. "It may prove difficult" suggests a possibility or likelihood of difficulty but leaves room for uncertainty.