it seems a difficult idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems a difficult idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing your perception or opinion about the complexity of a particular concept or notion. Example: "After discussing the topic in detail, it seems a difficult idea to grasp for many students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it seems a difficult idea to repeat.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In principle it seems a good idea.

The Economist

Initially, it seems a great idea.

The Guardian - Music

For many, it seems a new idea".

The New York Times

It seems a very poor idea.

The New Yorker

A burden, it seems, a conundrum — anything but an idea.

The New York Times

It's a difficult idea, but doable.

The New York Times

It's a difficult idea.

The Guardian - Books

It's a difficult idea to pin down.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 2006, it seemed a great idea.

Independent

IT seemed a great idea at the time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it seems a difficult idea", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. Providing specific details about the idea's complexity will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty of the idea. Instead of saying "it seems an impossible idea", which might deter further exploration, opt for "it seems a difficult idea" to acknowledge the challenge while remaining open to solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems a difficult idea" primarily functions as an opinion marker or subjective assessment. It expresses the speaker's perception of an idea's complexity or challenge. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a usable expression, which indicates the perception of complexity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems a difficult idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing the perceived complexity of an idea. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While the phrase is common across various domains like News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, it's important to use it judiciously, providing context and avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "it appears to be a challenging concept" can be employed to add variety. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively integrate this phrase into their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears to be a challenging concept

Replaces "seems" with "appears to be" and "difficult idea" with "challenging concept".

it strikes me as a tough notion

Substitutes "seems" with "strikes me as" and "difficult idea" with "tough notion".

it presents a considerable challenge

Rephrases the entire expression to focus on the challenge aspect.

it poses a significant hurdle

Uses "poses" instead of "seems" and replaces "difficult idea" with "significant hurdle".

it is perceived as a complex matter

Emphasizes the perception of complexity rather than inherent difficulty.

it is regarded as a problematic issue

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the idea.

the concept appears quite intricate

Replaces "it seems a difficult idea" with a more concise description of the concept.

the notion seems rather convoluted

Emphasizes the convoluted or complicated nature of the idea.

grasping the idea appears problematic

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding or grasping the idea.

the proposition seems overly ambitious

Suggests that the idea is difficult because it is too ambitious or unrealistic.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it seems a difficult idea" to sound more positive?

To sound more positive, you could say "it presents a unique challenge" or "it requires careful consideration", acknowledging the difficulty without being discouraging.

What's the difference between "it seems a difficult idea" and "it is a difficult idea"?

"It seems a difficult idea" expresses a perception or opinion, while "it is a difficult idea" states it as a fact. The former is less assertive and allows for potential disagreement.

Is "it seems a difficult idea to implement" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it seems a difficult idea to implement" is grammatically correct. It simply expands on the original phrase by specifying what aspect of the idea is difficult.

What are some alternatives to "difficult" in "it seems a difficult idea"?

You can replace "difficult" with words like "challenging", "complex", "intricate", or "problematic" to vary your language and subtly shift the meaning.