kind of difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is somewhat challenging or not easy, often in a casual or conversational context. Example: "The exam was kind of difficult, but I think I managed to do well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Especially with veterans, it's kind of difficult.

The New York Times

"That's kind of difficult to deal with".

The New York Times - Sports

"Pancake, for example, is kind of difficult.

The New York Times

But it's kind of difficult to find that kind of relationship".

The New York Times

"I really love teaching, and it is kind of difficult to part ways".

The New York Times - Sports

I think my brand is, "Byron is kind of difficult but he's interesting".

The New York Times

"When you've got 40, 50 people in the room, it's kind of difficult," Hunter said.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's kind of difficult when the man paying the bills makes statements like that".

The New York Times - Sports

When you don't know what's going on, it's kind of difficult to get into your moves".

The New York Times - Sports

'It's kind of difficult, maybe, to talk in front of someone else...'. he whispers.

The Guardian

She's mouthy, pushy and opinionated -- kind of wonderful and kind of difficult.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of difficult" when you want to express a moderate level of difficulty in a casual or conversational tone. It's suitable for situations where you don't want to overstate the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of difficult" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "moderately challenging" or "somewhat complex" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of difficult" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a moderate level of challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showing its widespread use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of difficult" is a common and acceptable way to express a moderate level of challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a perfectly valid phrase. While grammatically sound and widely used, as shown by the examples on Ludwig, it's important to be mindful of the context. It's generally suitable for casual conversations, news articles, and informal writing, but less appropriate for formal academic or scientific papers. In such cases, alternatives like "somewhat challenging" or "moderately complex" might be more fitting. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone you want to convey when choosing between "kind of difficult" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat challenging

More formal alternative focusing on the challenge aspect.

a bit tricky

More informal, emphasizing the need for careful handling.

slightly problematic

Focuses on the potential for issues or negative consequences.

moderately tough

Highlights the strength or resilience needed to overcome the difficulty.

rather arduous

Emphasizes the effort and exertion required.

fairly complex

Highlights the intricate or multifaceted nature of the difficulty.

not entirely straightforward

Focuses on the lack of simplicity or directness.

somewhat demanding

Emphasizes the requirements or expectations placed upon someone.

a little intricate

Suggests a delicate and complex nature.

mildly challenging

Downplays the intensity of the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of difficult" to describe something that presents a moderate challenge. For example, "The instructions were "kind of difficult" to follow, but I eventually figured it out."

What are some alternatives to "kind of difficult"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "somewhat challenging", "a bit tricky", or "slightly problematic".

Is "kind of difficult" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "kind of difficult" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more precise alternatives like "moderately challenging" or "fairly complex" in those contexts.

What's the difference between "kind of difficult" and "very difficult"?

"Kind of difficult" expresses a moderate level of difficulty, while "very difficult" indicates a much greater challenge. Use "kind of difficult" when something is somewhat challenging but not overwhelmingly so.