it was exceptionally difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was exceptionally difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that posed a significant challenge or was hard to accomplish. Example: "Completing the project on time was exceptionally difficult due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Moynihan accepted it was "exceptionally difficult to call" how many members of the "Olympic family" would turn up.

The Guardian - Sport

Asked if it was possible to be a good father while serving a community so isolated from Westminster, Reed said it was "exceptionally difficult".

The Guardian

"Then during the dot-com era, it was exceptionally difficult to get a deal" because consumer demand for air travel peaked, and Internet companies like Priceline were competing aggressively for airline seats.

The New York Times

Dolan said it was exceptionally difficult to find a facility that would accept Jahi's body.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But it is exceptionally difficult to get it right.

The New York Times

As we have seen year after year, it is exceptionally difficult to repeat after winning the championship.

The New York Times

But it's exceptionally difficult to do, partly because "beginning, middle and end" just works for the human brain.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's exceptionally difficult to defeat an icon, especially when there's no overwhelming argument to get rid of him," said Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic political consultant.

The New York Times

In fairness to cellphone makers, it is exceptionally difficult to design anything really well, especially a technically complex product that is manufactured in huge quantities.

The New York Times - Style

It's exceptionally difficult to take sides with this show: the villains are victims, the victims are villains, and the show's most sympathetic character — Philip, so tender with his children, so intelligent and complex — is a cold Soviet assassin.

The New Yorker

Mr Littlewood says his target market is the honest student, although he concedes that it's "exceptionally difficult" to know what students are doing with the paid-for essay.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was exceptionally difficult", ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to, providing clarity for the reader. For example, 'Navigating the legal complexities of the merger was exceptionally difficult'.

Common error

Avoid using "it was exceptionally difficult" as a generic intensifier. Ensure the situation genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was exceptionally difficult" functions as a descriptive expression. It qualifies a situation or task by emphasizing the high degree of challenge involved. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was exceptionally difficult" is a grammatically sound expression used to emphasize significant challenges associated with a task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, finding it more prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts. While the phrase is relatively rare, with only a few examples discovered, it is suitable for neutral to formal registers. Consider using alternatives like "it proved to be very challenging" or "it presented significant challenges" for variety, and always ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was exceedingly challenging

Replaces "exceptionally" with "exceedingly" to intensify the difficulty.

it was particularly demanding

Highlights the demanding nature of the task or situation.

it presented significant challenges

Emphasizes the challenges posed, focusing on the obstacles encountered.

it proved to be very challenging

Highlights the challenging nature of the situation, using 'proved to be'.

it posed a considerable challenge

Focuses on the challenge, quantifying it as "considerable".

it was no easy feat

Indicates that the accomplishment was not simple or straightforward.

it was remarkably hard

Uses "remarkably" instead of "exceptionally" to underscore the difficulty.

it required extraordinary effort

Shifts focus to the effort needed, rather than the inherent difficulty.

it was an uphill battle

Uses an idiom to describe a situation requiring sustained effort.

it was a Herculean task

Employs a metaphor to denote an extremely difficult undertaking.

FAQs

What does "it was exceptionally difficult" mean?

The phrase "it was exceptionally difficult" means that something presented significant challenges and was very hard to accomplish. It indicates a high degree of difficulty.

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

You can use "it was exceptionally difficult" to describe tasks, situations, or processes that involved a high level of complexity or presented significant obstacles. For instance, "Gaining regulatory approval "it was exceptionally difficult" due to the stringent requirements."

What are some alternatives to "it was exceptionally difficult"?

Alternatives include "it proved to be very challenging", "it presented significant challenges", or "it was remarkably hard". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was exceptionally difficult" formal or informal?

"It was exceptionally difficult" is generally considered a formal expression. In more casual contexts, you might use phrases like "it was really tough" or "it was super hard".