it was really difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenging experience or task in a straightforward manner. Example: "The exam was tough, and I must admit, it was really difficult to concentrate with all the distractions around me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was really difficult.

The Guardian - Music

"It was really difficult," King said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was really difficult to match them.

The New York Times - Sports

It was really difficult to defend.

The Guardian - Sport

It was really difficult for them".

The Guardian

"It was really difficult," he said.

The New York Times

It was really difficult at first.

The Guardian

"It was really difficult," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

It was really difficult technically to take these pictures.

The New York Times

It was really difficult for me to have my daughters.

Independent

It was really difficult coming off last season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was really difficult" to convey a sense of genuine challenge or hardship. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides specific details about what made the situation challenging for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "it was really difficult" as a standalone statement without explaining why it was difficult. Vague statements weaken your message. Instead, provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "The project was really difficult", say "The project was really difficult because we had to learn a new programming language and meet a tight deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really difficult" functions as a descriptive statement. It serves to express the degree of challenge or hardship encountered in a particular situation. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from personal experiences to technical challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was really difficult" is a commonly used phrase to describe challenging experiences or situations. Grammatically correct and adaptable, it appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a straightforward way to convey a sense of hardship. When using this phrase, providing specific context is important to enhance clarity. Consider using alternatives like "it proved to be very challenging" or "it presented a real challenge" for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was exceedingly hard

Emphasizes the extreme level of difficulty encountered.

it proved to be very challenging

Highlights the challenging nature of the task or situation.

it was particularly tough

Indicates a high level of difficulty, emphasizing resilience needed.

it presented a real challenge

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the situation without explicitly stating difficulty.

it was considerably demanding

Highlights the high demands and requirements of the task.

it was no easy task

Understates the difficulty, implying it required significant effort.

it was far from simple

Similar to 'no easy task', suggesting complexity and difficulty.

it required significant effort

Focuses on the effort needed, indicating the difficulty indirectly.

it tested my abilities

Highlights how the situation pushed one's skills to their limits.

it strained my capabilities

Indicates that the situation pushed capabilities to the point of near failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was really difficult" to describe a challenging task, situation, or experience. For example, "Learning to code "it was really difficult" at first, but I gradually improved with practice".

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

Alternatives include "it proved to be very challenging", "it was exceedingly hard", or "it presented a real challenge", depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Really" might add slightly more emphasis than "very", but the choice often depends on personal preference and the desired tone.

When is it appropriate to use "it was really difficult" in formal writing?

While "it was really difficult" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "it presented a significant challenge" or "it required considerable effort". These options can sound more professional while still conveying the same level of difficulty.