it would be difficult if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be difficult if" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a hypothetical situation where a challenge or obstacle may arise depending on certain conditions. Example: "It would be difficult if we don't receive the necessary funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Johnson, who assumed power in 1963, had little foreign-policy experience and relied even more on Bundy.This success had fateful results; Mr Preston argues that "it would be difficult, if not impossible, to overstate the impact that this concentration of power had on American foreign policy".

The Economist

"It would be difficult if not impossible".

The New York Times

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to divide that up should they split.

The New York Times

But renters like Alfreda Lee said it would be difficult, if not impossible, to get there in time.

The New York Times

If that happens, Ms. McElroy said, "the industry recognizes that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to recover".

The New York Times

And it would be difficult, if not impossible, to fit Yamasaki's lithe, upsurging conception onto one of those musclebound structures.

The New York Times - Magazine

Officials cautioned that in a country awash in weaponry, it would be difficult if not impossible to trace the source of the explosives.

The New York Times

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to capture the complexities of such a proceeding in a single article that reported the final result.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I can just go but asking myself "but I had already undergone the test; why are they telling me to repeat it?" May be I got it from somewhere!'ItIt would be difficult if [I] am going to spend the same time waiting for results' Others detested the whole idea because of perceived incompetence of the process, previous adverse experience, negative attitude and potential for raised anxiety.

BMC Medical Ethics

"I think on balance people recognize that the decisions of the courts are really pointing in a direction from which it would be difficult -- if we wanted to -- to turn back," said Deputy Prime Minister John Manley, who is also a candidate to replace Prime Minister Chrétien as Liberal Party leader later this year.

The New York Times

Mark R. Godburn North Canaan, Conn., Feb. 8, 2011 • To the Editor: Laurence H. Tribe, citing a 1982 Supreme Court ruling, says that "it would be 'difficult, if not impossible' to maintain the financial soundness of a Social Security system from which people could opt out".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it would be difficult if", ensure that the condition following 'if' is clearly stated and directly related to the difficulty being described. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using overly broad or undefined conditions after "it would be difficult if". Be specific about the circumstances that would lead to the difficulty. For example, instead of "it would be difficult if things don't work out", say "it would be difficult if we don't secure the necessary funding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be difficult if" functions as a conditional statement, introducing a hypothetical scenario where the realization of a specific condition leads to a challenging situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

27%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it would be difficult if" is a versatile phrase used to express conditional challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its adaptability across different registers. To ensure clarity, always specify the condition clearly. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "it would pose challenges if". By being mindful of potential vagueness and choosing the appropriate alternative, you can effectively convey conditional challenges in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would pose challenges if

Replaces "difficult" with "pose challenges", emphasizing the act of creating difficulties.

it would present problems if

Substitutes "difficult" with "present problems", highlighting the emergence of issues.

it would be problematic if

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", directly stating the potential for issues.

it would create complications if

Changes "difficult" to "create complications", stressing the act of making things complex.

it would be tough if

Replaces "difficult" with "tough", using a more informal term for challenging.

it would be an uphill battle if

Substitutes the entire phrase with a metaphorical expression indicating a difficult struggle.

it would not be easy if

Replaces "difficult" with "not be easy", a more direct and simple way of expressing difficulty.

it would be a struggle if

Replaces "difficult" with "a struggle", emphasizing the effort required.

challenges would arise if

Rearranges the sentence structure, focusing on the emergence of challenges.

obstacles would emerge if

Shifts the focus to the appearance of obstacles, indicating potential hindrances.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it would be difficult if" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it would pose challenges if", "it would present problems if", or "it would create complications if" to maintain a professional tone.

What's a simpler way to say "it would be difficult if"?

For simpler phrasing, you can use "it would be tough if" or "it would not be easy if", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more emphatic alternative to "it would be difficult if"?

To emphasize the difficulty, consider using phrases like "it would be an uphill battle if" or "challenges would arise if" to highlight the potential struggle.

How does the choice of words after 'if' impact the meaning of "it would be difficult if"?

The words following 'if' specify the condition causing the difficulty. For example, "it would be difficult if we lack resources" highlights resource constraints, while "it would be difficult if there is strong opposition" emphasizes resistance as the source of difficulty.