it was difficult to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was difficult to understand" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use this phrase in a paragraph like this: The directions were unclear, so it was difficult to understand how to proceed. Despite several attempts, I couldn't follow the instructions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

People were dying, and it was difficult to understand why.

The New Yorker

It was difficult to understand why such a captivating place was empty.

The New York Times - Travel

"It was difficult to understand, maybe there were issues I didn't know about.

The New York Times

"It was difficult to understand what to do," he told me.

The New Yorker

At first it was difficult to understand why the Eurofolk were so intense about this place.

The New York Times

It was difficult to understand, or justify, the tactical or moral rationale in some of the strikes.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It is difficult to understand the league without understanding the C.B.A. first.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to understand Putin's organization without understanding its reliance on oil.

The New York Times - Magazine

Without one, it is difficult to understand the mechanisms behind its action and address its effects.

Bone and Joint Research

"It's difficult to understand".

The New York Times

"It's difficult to understand," Wardak said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was difficult to understand", ensure the context clearly indicates what was difficult to understand. Providing specific details improves clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was difficult to understand" without a clear antecedent for "it". Make sure the reader knows exactly what "it" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was difficult to understand" functions as a statement expressing a challenge in comprehension. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was difficult to understand" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of easy comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific articles and encyclopedias. While it is generally neutral in tone, it's important to ensure the context makes clear what "it" refers to, avoiding vague pronoun references. Alternatives such as "it was hard to grasp" or "it was challenging to comprehend" can offer subtle differences in meaning, as the Related Phrases section details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was hard to grasp

Replaces "difficult to understand" with "hard to grasp", emphasizing the effort needed to comprehend.

it was challenging to comprehend

Substitutes "difficult" with "challenging" and "understand" with "comprehend", highlighting the complexity of the subject.

it was not easy to follow

Focuses on the ease of following a line of reasoning or explanation, rather than direct understanding.

it was obscure

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, indicating a lack of clarity.

it was perplexing

Highlights the confusing nature of the subject, making understanding difficult.

it was beyond my comprehension

Emphasizes the limits of the speaker's understanding.

i struggled to understand

Shifts the focus to the personal struggle in understanding something.

it defied explanation

Suggests the subject was so unusual it could not be explained.

the meaning was elusive

Highlights that the meaning was hard to catch.

i couldn't make sense of it

Emphasizes a personal failure to understand the content.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "it was difficult to understand"?

Alternatives include "it was hard to grasp", "it was challenging to comprehend", or "it was not easy to follow", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was difficult to understand" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was difficult to understand" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might choose a more sophisticated alternative.

What makes something "difficult to understand"?

Things can be "difficult to understand" due to complexity, lack of clarity, or unfamiliarity with the subject matter. The phrase often implies a need for further explanation or simplification.

When should I use "it was difficult to understand" versus "I didn't understand"?

Use "it was difficult to understand" when the issue is with the subject matter itself being unclear. Use "I didn't understand" when the problem is with your own comprehension, regardless of the subject's clarity.