made it difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"made it difficult" is a valid part of a sentence in written English and is often used to describe a challenge or obstacle that someone has encountered.
Example: Because of the tight deadline, we made it difficult to meet all of the requirements.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But its growth made it difficult to maintain.

The Guardian - Books

That also made it difficult.

The New York Times

"You've made it difficult".

The New York Times - Magazine

They made it difficult for us".

The New York Times - Sports

They made it difficult to drive".

The New York Times - Sports

It made it difficult for snowplows.

The New York Times

It made it difficult for everyone".

The New York Times - Sports

The Celtics' swarming defense has made it difficult.

The New York Times - Sports

A misting rain made it difficult to see.

The New York Times - Sports

The conditions made it difficult for both teams.

The New York Times - Sports

It hasn't made it difficult to develop a winning environment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made it difficult" to clearly and directly express that something presented challenges or obstacles, without being overly verbose.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "made it difficult" in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms such as "posed a challenge" or "presented obstacles" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made it difficult" functions as a verb phrase indicating causation. It describes an action or condition that increased the level of challenge or obstacle in a particular situation. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is a valid part of a sentence in written English and is often used to describe a challenge or obstacle that someone has encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made it difficult" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe how something presented a challenge or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use in English writing. As evidenced by the examples, the phrase appears most frequently in news, sports, and scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, consider varying your language with synonyms like "posed a challenge" or "presented obstacles" to avoid repetition. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, mindful usage will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

posed a challenge

Highlights the challenging aspect of the situation.

presented obstacles

Emphasizes the barriers created.

complicated matters

Focuses on the act of adding complexity.

created complications

Stresses the act of generating complex issues.

hindered progress

Focuses on slowing down or stopping advancement.

obstructed efforts

Highlights the blockage of attempts.

impeded achievement

Emphasizes the prevention of accomplishment.

was an impediment

Identifies a specific obstacle.

exacerbated the issue

Emphasizes the worsening of an existing problem.

put a strain on

Highlights the added stress or pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "made it difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "made it difficult" to describe how something created a challenge or obstacle. For example, "The rain made it difficult to see the road".

What are some alternatives to "made it difficult"?

Alternatives include "posed a challenge", "presented obstacles", or "complicated matters", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "made it difficult" or "made it hard"?

Both "made it difficult" and "made it hard" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Made it difficult" may be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "made it difficult" and "created a problem"?

"Made it difficult" implies a challenge or obstacle, while "created a problem" suggests a more significant issue. The choice depends on the severity of the situation you're describing.