make it difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"make it difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence when you want to describe something that is hard to do or accomplish. For example: "The complex instructions made it difficult to assemble the furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't make it difficult.

The New York Times - Arts

So that's the part make it difficult.

Cornell University

That did not make it difficult, though.

The Guardian - Books

But we make it difficult for ourselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Nonetheless, anatomical variations make it difficult to have reproducibility endonasaly.

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

These make it difficult for subsequent fire cause investigation.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

These phenomena make it difficult to successfully quit smoking.

Contemporary Clinical Trials

This may make it difficult to reach me by phone.

Yale University

Either condition may make it difficult to swallow solid food.

Harvard University

Does that make it difficult to develop a winning environment?

The New York Times

Regulations make it difficult for firms to hire and fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make it difficult", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being made difficult and for whom or what. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "make it difficult" without clearly specifying what "it" refers to. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it difficult" functions as a predicate within a sentence. It describes an action that causes something to become challenging or hard to achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make it difficult" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to indicate the creation of obstacles or challenges. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register allows for broad application across diverse contexts, from news reporting and scientific writing to casual conversation. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being made difficult. Semantic alternatives include "complicate matters", "present challenges", and "pose obstacles", each offering a slightly different nuance. With its prevalence in authoritative sources like the BBC, The New York Times and The Guardian, "make it difficult" remains a valuable and versatile tool in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicate matters

Shifts focus to the result of making something difficult, which is increased complexity.

present challenges

Emphasizes the presence of obstacles rather than the act of creating them.

pose obstacles

Similar to "present challenges", it highlights the existence of barriers.

create hurdles

Implies the introduction of specific barriers that need to be overcome.

impede progress

Focuses on the slowing down or obstruction of advancement.

render problematic

Formal and emphasizes the problematic nature of a situation.

obstruct progress

Highlights the act of blocking advancement, similar to impede.

put a damper on

Idiomatic expression suggesting a reduction in enthusiasm or success.

throw a wrench in the works

Idiomatic and suggests a deliberate disruption of a plan or process.

muddy the waters

Implies making a situation less clear or more confusing.

FAQs

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

You can use "make it difficult" to describe actions or situations that create obstacles or challenges. For example: "The new regulations "make it difficult" for small businesses to compete."

What are some alternatives to "make it difficult"?

Alternatives include "complicate matters", "present challenges", or "pose obstacles". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "makes it difficult" instead of "make it difficult"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Make it difficult" is often used in imperative or infinitive forms, while "makes it difficult" is used when referring to a singular subject. For example: "The rain will "make it difficult" to see" versus "The rain "makes it difficult" to see."

What's the difference between "make it difficult" and "make it impossible"?

"Make it difficult" implies creating obstacles that hinder progress, but don't necessarily prevent it entirely. "Make it impossible", on the other hand, suggests creating conditions that completely prevent something from happening.