makes it difficult to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes it difficult to see" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or condition that obstructs visibility or understanding. Example: "The fog makes it difficult to see the road ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The western obsession with rights makes it difficult to see their limitations.

The Guardian - Opinion

All of that makes it difficult to see an awful lot of profits growth looking ahead.

The New York Times

Fellaini's goal makes it difficult to see how Brugge can save themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

The comet in March exhibited mainly a bluish gas tail, which makes it difficult to see with the human eye.

Harvard University

Linebackers Ballcarriers are rarely taken to the ground during team drills, which makes it difficult to see how the linebacker (and safety) prospects break down and finish tackles.

The New York Times

It makes it difficult to see and Beatrice trips on an old pig trough that her mother has been using as a planter for impatiens.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

This rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat.

Wikipedia

Although a great concept; there are obvious flaws, which make it difficult to see its potential as a replacement for lithium-ion batteries used in modern smartphones.

Forbes

A misting rain made it difficult to see.

The New York Times - Sports

And confidentiality rules make it difficult to see what secures the obligations.

The New York Times

It was actually a cramped presentation which made it difficult to see the clothes – her standard prints and wrap-dresses.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "makes it difficult to see" to illustrate how certain factors obscure understanding or clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "makes it difficult to see" for extremely obvious visual obstructions. Opt for more direct phrasing like "the fog is thick" instead of "the fog makes it difficult to see the road" in situations where the obstruction is already apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes it difficult to see" functions as a verb phrase expressing causation. It describes how one thing or situation causes an impediment to vision or comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes it difficult to see" is a versatile expression used to describe impediments to both physical and intellectual vision. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific literature, highlight its broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted for more formal settings by choosing sophisticated alternatives. Understanding its nuances allows for more precise and effective communication, ensuring clarity in expressing the obstacles that hinder perception and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstructs the view

Focuses on physical obstruction of sight.

inhibits clear vision

Focuses on hindering visual clarity.

obscures the details

Highlights that the specifics are hidden or not easily discernible.

poses a challenge to discern

Focuses on the difficulty in distinguishing or recognizing something.

hinders comprehension

Highlights the obstruction of mental understanding.

hampers understanding

Shifts the focus from physical sight to intellectual comprehension.

creates a barrier to perception

Emphasizes the obstacle preventing clear perception.

complicates understanding

Highlights the increasing difficulty in comprehension.

clouds the issue

Uses a metaphor to suggest confusion or lack of clarity.

muddies the waters

Uses an idiomatic expression to imply a lack of clarity and increased confusion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "makes it difficult to see"?

You can use alternatives like "obstructs the view", "hampers understanding", or "clouds the issue" depending on the context.

Is "makes it difficult to see" formal or informal?

The phrase "makes it difficult to see" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "inhibits clear vision" or "poses a challenge to discern".

When is it appropriate to use "makes it difficult to see" in writing?

Use "makes it difficult to see" when you want to describe how something hinders visibility or understanding. For example, "The complex jargon makes it difficult to see the main point" or "The heavy fog makes it difficult to see the road ahead".

What is the difference between "makes it difficult to see" and "makes it impossible to see"?

"Makes it difficult to see" implies that seeing or understanding is still possible, but challenging. "Makes it impossible to see" suggests that seeing or understanding is completely prevented. The choice depends on the degree of obstruction you want to convey. Consider also "obscures the details" as an alternative.