it was very difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was very difficult" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a task, challenge, or situation that was hard to complete. For example: "I tried to patch the leak in the roof, but it was very difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was very difficult".

The New York Times

"It was very difficult economically.

The New York Times

"It was very difficult material.

The New York Times

He was told it was very difficult.

The New York Times - Food

"It was very difficult," he recalled.

The New York Times

It was very difficult," he said.

Independent

"It was very difficult," Mr. Stumpf said.

The New York Times

It was very difficult for me.

The New York Times

"Oh, it was very difficult".

The Guardian - Film

But it was very difficult.

The New York Times

A: It was very difficult.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was very difficult" to clearly and directly communicate the level of challenge encountered in a situation. Avoid vague language that could be misinterpreted.

Common error

While "it was very difficult" is a clear statement, avoid using it repeatedly in close succession. Vary your language with synonyms like "challenging", "arduous", or "complex" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very difficult" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, conveying the degree of challenge or hardship associated with a particular situation or task. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was very difficult" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a challenging situation, task, or experience. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various sources, affirming its wide acceptance and utility. While versatile, varying your vocabulary in writing is advisable to prevent repetition. According to Ludwig, the phrase is primarily used in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, and is considered neutral in register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it presented significant challenges

Emphasizes the presence of obstacles rather than a subjective experience of difficulty.

it involved substantial obstacles

Focuses on the presence of major impediments to success.

it was a major struggle

Emphasizes the effort and conflict involved in overcoming obstacles.

it proved to be quite a hurdle

Uses a metaphorical expression to highlight the challenging nature of the task.

it wasn't a walk in the park

An idiomatic expression indicating that something was far from easy.

it posed a considerable hardship

Highlights the unpleasant or challenging conditions encountered.

it required considerable effort

Shifts focus to the amount of exertion needed, instead of the difficulty itself.

it tested my limits

Focuses on the personal experience of being challenged to one's maximum capacity.

it demanded great resilience

Highlights the need for perseverance and strength to overcome the difficulty.

it necessitated immense dedication

Emphasizes the high level of commitment required for the task.

FAQs

What does "it was very difficult" mean?

The phrase "it was very difficult" describes a situation, task, or experience that presented significant challenges and required considerable effort to overcome.

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

You can use "it was very difficult" to describe past events or situations. For example, "Learning to code "it was very difficult" at first, but I gradually improved."

What can I say instead of "it was very difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "it was challenging", "it was arduous", or "it presented significant challenges" depending on the context.

Is "it was very difficult" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was very difficult" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal settings might benefit from using slightly more sophisticated vocabulary.