it was particularly difficult to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was particularly difficult to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a challenging situation or task that required significant effort or struggle. Example: "During the project, it was particularly difficult to meet the tight deadlines while ensuring quality work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It was particularly difficult to get the people in technical support out, because they were backing things up.

The New York Times

Mr. Kikuno said it was particularly difficult to make the index arm mechanism, which was originally intended for large clocks.

The New York Times

It was particularly difficult to draw conclusions about whether someone was intellectually humble - whereas it was easier to conclude that they were arrogant, the scientists said.

Independent

Here at this sprawling base about 25 miles east of St . Louis several men -- including Senior Airman Steven Latham, Airman Sargent's husband of six days -- acknowledged that it was particularly difficult to watch women in harm's way.

The New York Times

Before the construction of the 3,000-foot 3,000-foothat causeway thatisland to land, it was particonnectsdifficultheo reach because of quislandd and very fastorising tides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the proudly independent-minded French, it was particularly difficult to digest the idea that the military strikes that Mr Hollande had announced were being held up by Barack Obama's decision to seek authorisation from Congress.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It is particularly difficult to treat because of its remote location, late presentation and resistance to conventional chemotherapy.

British Journal of Cancer

Unfractioned heparin is a mainstay drug used in the hospital setting; yet, it is particularly difficult to dose due to its unpredictable pharmacokinetics.

ACS Nano

Still, it's particularly difficult to design a good cane.

The New Yorker

It is particularly difficult to show true trans-generational inheritance in humans.

The Guardian

Metrics aren't everything: It's particularly difficult to assess progress with metrics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was particularly difficult to", ensure that the context clearly explains why the task or situation was challenging. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it was particularly difficult to" when describing tasks that are only mildly challenging. Reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely required significant effort or skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was particularly difficult to" serves as an introductory expression, highlighting the challenging nature of a subsequent action or situation. As Ludwig indicates, it's a grammatically correct and functional construction for emphasizing obstacles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was particularly difficult to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize the significant challenges encountered in various situations. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, it effectively conveys the substantial effort or skill needed for a task. When using this phrase, provide specific details about the challenges to enhance clarity, and avoid overusing it for tasks that are only mildly difficult. Considering related alternatives like "it presented a significant challenge to" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proved especially challenging to

Replaces "particularly difficult" with "especially challenging", emphasizing the degree of difficulty.

it was exceptionally hard to

Substitutes "particularly difficult" with "exceptionally hard", highlighting the extreme effort required.

it was remarkably tough to

Uses "remarkably tough" to describe the higher degree of difficulty.

it presented a significant challenge to

Focuses on the challenge posed, rather than the difficulty experienced.

it was notably problematic to

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", shifting the focus to the issues caused.

it was an arduous task to

Replaces "difficult" with "arduous task", underlining the laboriousness.

it was a real struggle to

Emphasizes the effort as a "struggle", implying a harder experience.

it was uniquely complex to

Shifts the focus to the intricacy and complexity involved, making it tough.

it required considerable effort to

Focuses on the effort expended, rather than the inherent difficulty.

it posed a major obstacle to

Highlights the hindrance created, instead of the difficulty faced.

FAQs

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

Use "it was particularly difficult to" to describe situations or tasks that presented significant challenges. For example, "It was particularly difficult to secure funding for the project."

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

Alternatives include "it proved especially challenging to", "it presented a significant challenge to", or "it required considerable effort to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "it was particularly difficult to" or "it was very difficult to"?

"It was particularly difficult to" implies a higher degree of difficulty than "it was very difficult to". Use "it was particularly difficult to" when emphasizing an exceptional level of challenge.

What makes "it was particularly difficult to" different from "it was hard to"?

"It was particularly difficult to" suggests a specific reason or circumstance that amplified the difficulty, whereas "it was hard to" is a more general statement of difficulty.