it was more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the difficulty of two or more tasks, situations, or experiences in the past. Example: "When I tried to learn the guitar, I found that it was more difficult than I had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was more difficult to distinguish the real medicinal herb from its adulterants when they were adulterated.

Botanical Studies

It was more difficult then".

The New York Times - Sports

"With David Cameron, it was more difficult.

The Guardian - Money

But it was more difficult in Russia".

The New York Times - Arts

I think it was more difficult to hold back.

The Guardian - Music

But with my siblings it was more difficult.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For Knausgaard, in the first person, it was more difficult.

The Guardian - Books

But when an uncle approached her, seeking to sell insurance, it was more difficult.

The New York Times

It was more difficult to break the news to Robinson's parents.

The New Yorker

It was more difficult than laying asphalt, and at times more frustrating than selling underwear.

The New York Times

You could see they needed to control the ball and it was more difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the difficulty of two tasks or situations, clearly state both elements being compared to provide context for why "it was more difficult". For example, "Learning French was more difficult than learning Spanish."

Common error

Avoid using "it was more difficult" without specifying what 'it' refers to or what it is being compared to. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was more difficult" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It indicates that a particular situation, task, or experience presented a greater level of challenge than another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was more difficult" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase that indicates a higher degree of challenge compared to something else. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear context for the comparison to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives such as "it proved more challenging" or "it required greater effort" exist, "it was more difficult" remains a straightforward and effective way to convey increased difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a tougher proposition

Uses "tougher" as a direct synonym for more difficult.

it presented greater challenges

Replaces the simple adjective "difficult" with a noun phrase emphasizing the challenges involved.

it proved more problematic

Suggests that the situation caused issues or complications.

it became increasingly complex

Highlights the increasing intricacy of the situation.

it required greater effort

Focuses on the amount of effort needed to accomplish the task.

it was more laborious

Suggests that the situation was time-consuming and required much effort.

it was a steeper climb

Uses a metaphor to describe the increased difficulty.

it posed a greater hurdle

Emphasizes the obstacle presented by the situation.

it demanded more from us

Highlights the increased demands placed on those involved.

it tested our abilities further

Emphasizes the extent to which the task challenged skills.

FAQs

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

Use "it was more difficult" when you want to compare the level of difficulty between two situations, tasks, or experiences. Example: "Completing the second project "it was more difficult" than the first because of the limited resources".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was more difficult"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it proved more challenging", "it required greater effort", or "it presented greater challenges", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it was more difficult" instead of "it was harder"?

"It was more difficult" and "it was harder" are often interchangeable, but "more difficult" can sound slightly more formal. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone of your writing and context.

What's the difference between "it was difficult" and "it was more difficult"?

"It was difficult" simply states that something was challenging. "It was more difficult" implies a comparison, suggesting that something was harder compared to something else.