it was a difficult decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a difficult decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a choice that required careful consideration or was emotionally challenging. Example: "After much deliberation, I can say that it was a difficult decision to leave my job for a new opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a difficult decision,' said Rosell.

Independent

"It was a difficult decision," he said.

The New York Times

"It was a difficult decision," King said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a difficult decision to leave.

The New York Times

It was a difficult decision: there never was any vindication.

The New Yorker

"It was a difficult decision to go forward," he said.

The New Yorker

"It was a difficult decision," said the lawyer, Gordon Kirke.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a difficult decision", said president Erwin Staudt.

The Guardian - Sport

He said it was a difficult decision to make.

The New York Times

"It was a difficult decision," Ms. Rivas said.

The New York Times - Health

"It was a difficult decision, sending it out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was a difficult decision", provide context about why the decision was challenging. This adds depth and helps the reader understand the situation better.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a difficult decision" as a standalone statement without explaining the factors that made it so. Always follow up with details about the dilemma or the considerations involved to make the statement more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a difficult decision" functions as a statement expressing that a particular choice or determination involved considerable challenge or complexity. Ludwig examples show it being used to preface explanations of choices made.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a difficult decision" is a commonly used phrase to express that a choice was not easy and involved careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts and possesses a neutral register suitable for various situations. When using the phrase, providing context is crucial to enhance its impact and clarity. Alternatives such as "it was a tough choice" or "it wasn't an easy decision" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a tough choice

Replaces "difficult decision" with "tough choice", emphasizing the challenging nature of the selection.

it was a hard decision

Uses "hard decision" instead of "difficult decision", conveying a similar meaning with a slightly different tone.

it wasn't an easy decision

Expresses the difficulty by stating the opposite – that it was not easy.

it was a challenging decision

Substitutes "difficult" with "challenging", highlighting the demanding aspect of the decision-making process.

it was a complex decision

Replaces "difficult" with "complex", focusing on the intricate nature of the decision.

the choice was a difficult one

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the difficulty inherent in the choice itself.

it was a weighty decision

Emphasizes the significance and impact of the decision by using "weighty".

the decision was not taken lightly

Implies that the decision required serious consideration and was not made carelessly.

it was a momentous decision

Highlights the historical or lasting importance of the decision.

arriving at the decision was tough

Shifts the focus to the process of reaching the decision, emphasizing its difficulty.

FAQs

What does "it was a difficult decision" mean?

It means that the choice made required careful thought and consideration, often involving conflicting factors or potential negative outcomes. It acknowledges the complexity and emotional weight of the decision-making process.

How can I use "it was a difficult decision" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce an explanation of a choice you've made, for example: "It was a difficult decision to leave my job, but the new opportunity offered better long-term prospects."

What can I say instead of "it was a difficult decision"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a tough choice", "it wasn't an easy decision", or "the choice was a difficult one" depending on the context.

Is "it was a difficult decision" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and the specific situation will influence the overall tone.