it was quite difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was quite difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenging experience or task in a reflective or narrative context. Example: "When I attempted to solve the complex math problem, I realized that it was quite difficult for me to grasp the concepts involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, "it was quite difficult to find a job at an international level".

Science Magazine

Sutil said: "It was quite difficult.

The Washington Post

"It was quite difficult," Pamela said.

The New York Times

"It was quite difficult at times.

The Guardian

"It was quite difficult," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Especially when my children came along, it was quite difficult.

The New Yorker

It was quite difficult to see, especially in the sunlight.

The Guardian - Film

It was quite difficult and a little bit rebellious".

The Guardian - Music

Some of it was quite difficult to watch.

The Guardian

It was quite difficult and people still mention it.

The Guardian

It was quite difficult for us to get into art school.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was quite difficult" to acknowledge a challenge without exaggerating it. This phrase conveys a moderate level of difficulty, suitable for situations that required effort but were not insurmountable.

Common error

Avoid using "quite" excessively in your writing. While "it was quite difficult" is acceptable, overuse can weaken your message. Consider stronger adjectives or more descriptive language to convey the degree of difficulty more precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was quite difficult" functions as a descriptive statement, expressing a subjective assessment of the level of challenge encountered. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was quite difficult" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a moderate level of challenge or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While "quite" adds emphasis, writers should avoid overuse. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "it presented considerable challenges" or "it proved rather demanding", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, this phrase is a versatile and appropriate choice for expressing moderate difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a tough endeavor

Replaces "difficult" with "tough" and uses "endeavor" to emphasize the project's challenging nature.

it proved rather demanding

Substitutes "difficult" with "demanding" to emphasize the effort required.

it required significant effort

Focuses on the amount of effort needed, rather than directly stating difficulty.

it presented considerable challenges

Replaces the subjective assessment of difficulty with a more objective statement about the presence of challenges.

it tested my abilities

Highlights the personal challenge and the testing of one's capabilities.

it wasn't exactly easy

Uses understatement to convey the difficulty indirectly.

it was no walk in the park

Uses an idiom to convey that the experience was far from easy.

it posed some problems

Replaces the general term "difficult" with the more specific "problems".

it involved navigating several obstacles

Highlights the presence of obstacles and the act of overcoming them, implying difficulty.

it involved a fair amount of hardship

Emphasizes the negative aspects and struggles involved.

FAQs

What does "it was quite difficult" mean?

The phrase "it was quite difficult" indicates that something was challenging but not impossible. The word "quite" modifies "difficult", suggesting a moderate level of challenge.

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

You can use "it was quite difficult" to describe a task, situation, or experience that presented some challenges. For example, "Although the exam was comprehensive, "it was quite difficult" to complete in the time allotted."

Are there alternatives to saying "it was quite difficult"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "it was rather challenging", "it was somewhat arduous", or "it presented considerable challenges" depending on the context.

Is "it was quite difficult" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was quite difficult" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated vocabulary.