make it difficult for

USAGE SUMMARY

"make it difficult for" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: The new regulations make it difficult for small businesses to stay afloat financially.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we make it difficult for ourselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Regulations make it difficult for firms to hire and fire.

The New York Times

Conditions at Prairie Dunes could make it difficult for everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

Those issues are going to make it difficult for him".

The New York Times

He added: "We help each other - he tries to make it difficult for me and I try to make it difficult for him.

Independent

That concern would lead them to make it difficult for us, and get us out ultimately.

The New Yorker

"Tough capital requirements and costly I.T. systems make it difficult for new entrants".

The New York Times

You have got to make it difficult for the opposition to score goals, and we didn't".

The New York Times

In addition, "several other factors could make it difficult for the government to implicate Mr. Cohen.

The New York Times

But the Bay Area's fiscal realities make it difficult for cities to honor the resolutions.

The New York Times

"The bad guys make it difficult for everybody innovating in financial services," he told The Telegraph.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs or more descriptive language to specify the type of difficulty created, such as "impede", "hinder", or "obstruct", for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is creating the difficulty. For example, instead of "Mistakes were made that made it difficult for the project to succeed", clarify with "The team's mistakes made it difficult for the project to succeed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it difficult for" functions as a causative construction, indicating that something or someone is causing difficulty for another. Ludwig shows this across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make it difficult for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating the creation of obstacles or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage. While versatile, remember to consider the specific type of difficulty and ensure clarity regarding who or what is being affected. Consider stronger verbs such as "hinder" or "impede" for greater precision. Avoid overuse of the passive voice to ensure clarity in writing. This phrase is valuable across various contexts, from news to scientific writing, but adapting your language to suit the specific register enhances communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicate matters for

Focuses on the act of making things more intricate, adding layers of complexity.

prove problematic for

Highlights that something is likely to cause issues or difficulties.

impede progress for

Highlights slowing down or preventing advancement.

create hurdles for

Emphasizes the creation of barriers that impede progress.

hinder advancement for

Emphasizes the act of holding back or preventing forward movement.

pose challenges for

Highlights the act of presenting obstacles that require effort to overcome.

set back efforts for

Highlights causing a delay or reversal in progress.

obstruct the path for

Focuses on physically or metaphorically blocking someone's progress.

add friction to

Emphasizes creating resistance or difficulty.

place limitations on

Focuses on setting boundaries or restrictions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make it difficult for" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "impede progress", "hinder advancement", or "pose challenges" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "make it difficult for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "make it difficult for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across numerous sources.

What's a more concise way to say "make it difficult for"?

Depending on the context, you could use verbs like "hinder", "obstruct", or "impede" for a more direct and concise expression.

How does the meaning of "make it difficult for" differ from "make it impossible for"?

"Make it difficult for" implies creating obstacles and challenges, but not necessarily complete prevention. In contrast, "make it impossible for" suggests that an action or situation has been rendered completely unachievable or unattainable.