it seems difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to a task or situation that appears to be difficult or challenging. For example, "It seems difficult to find a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At face value," said one Bush official, "it seems difficult to argue that it's neutral territory".

The New York Times

On one level it seems difficult to argue with him.

The New York Times

It seems difficult to reconcile this with her being six.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems difficult to reconcile that this should be so.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now it seems difficult to know which fish are managed well enough to eat without guilt.

The New York Times - Magazine

An admission of this kind is, it seems, difficult for an audience to take seriously.

Independent

It seems difficult to imagine JR in the heart of a drug-ridden favela.

The Guardian - Arts

But it seems difficult to consider any of these tests truly conclusive.

The New Yorker

Thinking about it seems difficult, but doing it is fine," he added.

The Guardian

I've never tried to swing a two-handed broadsword, but it seems difficult.

The New Yorker

And it seems difficult to hold together the low-taxes, high-benefits and anti-immigrant strains in the party.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it seems difficult", ensure the context clearly indicates who finds it difficult and why. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "it seems difficult" can make writing sound hesitant. Replace it with stronger, more direct statements where appropriate for a more confident tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems difficult" functions as an evaluative expression. It serves to convey a subjective assessment of a situation or task, indicating that, based on available information or initial perception, the subject perceives it as challenging or hard to accomplish. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems difficult" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for conveying a subjective assessment of a situation or task's level of challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable across a spectrum of contexts, with a tendency towards scientific and journalistic domains. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing to use it, as overuse or more direct alternatives may be preferable in formal writing. Related phrases like "it poses a challenge" or "it is problematic" can offer stronger or more nuanced ways to express difficulty. Remember to provide context for clarity and avoid overuse to maintain a confident tone in your writing. The provided examples from varied sources showcase the phrase's adaptability and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears challenging

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "difficult" with "challenging" maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

it poses a challenge

Highlights the challenging nature of something, emphasizing the call for effort and skill to overcome it.

it looks problematic

Substitutes "seems" with "looks" and "difficult" with "problematic", suggesting a potential issue rather than a straightforward challenge.

it borders on impossible

Emphasizes the high degree of difficulty, suggesting it's nearly unachievable.

it is proving arduous

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression indicating a task is turning out to be strenuous and taxing.

it requires considerable effort

Focuses on the effort needed, indirectly implying the difficulty involved.

it's a tough ask

Uses a more informal idiom indicating that something is hard to achieve or a difficult request.

it is no simple matter

Understates the difficulty, suggesting it's more complex than initially assumed.

it presents obstacles

Shifts the focus to the obstacles involved, rather than the subjective feeling of difficulty.

it's not a walk in the park

Uses an idiom to convey that something is not easy or effortless.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it seems difficult" to sound more confident?

Consider using alternatives like "it poses a challenge", "it is problematic", or directly stating the difficulty: "the task is challenging".

Is "it seems difficult" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, but use it sparingly. Overuse can weaken your tone. Opt for stronger, more direct language when possible, or use alternatives like "it presents obstacles".

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

"It seems difficult" implies a subjective assessment based on current information. "It is difficult" states the difficulty as a fact. The former is less assertive than the latter.

How to use "it seems difficult" in a sentence?

Use "it seems difficult" when expressing a hesitant or subjective opinion about the level of challenge a situation or task presents. For example, "It seems difficult to reconcile these conflicting reports".