may be difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be difficult" is a valid expression in written English that is used to express that something might be difficult.
For example: "Deciding which direction to go in this situation may be difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may be difficult.

The New York Times

LOVING it may be difficult.

The New York Times - Arts

But this may be difficult.

The Economist

That may be difficult to imagine.

The New Yorker

That deadline may be difficult to meet.

The New York Times

"It may be difficult and even dangerous".

The New Yorker

Collecting the award may be difficult.

The New York Times

But pursuing the attackers may be difficult.

The New York Times

Yet that may be difficult.

The New York Times

The finances may be difficult.

The Guardian - Money

That prospect may be difficult to achieve.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be difficult" to express a potential challenge without stating it as a certainty. This allows for a more nuanced and cautious approach.

Common error

Avoid using "may be difficult" when the difficulty is already known or highly probable. In such cases, a stronger statement like "will be difficult" or "is challenging" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be difficult" functions as a modal expression used to indicate a possibility or likelihood of something being challenging or problematic. Ludwig AI confirms its validity as a standard English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be difficult" is a versatile expression used to convey the possibility of a challenge or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. It's important to use this phrase when you want to express uncertainty about the level of difficulty involved in a given situation. Remember to avoid using it when the difficulty is already well-established, and consider alternatives like "could be challenging" or "might be problematic" to fine-tune the intended nuance. Using the term correctly ensures clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may not be easy

Emphasizes the lack of ease in achieving something.

could prove challenging

Indicates a potential for difficulty, focusing on the challenge aspect.

might present obstacles

Highlights the possibility of encountering obstacles or hurdles.

might be a struggle

Emphasizes the arduous nature of the task.

could be problematic

Suggests the potential for issues or problems to arise.

could prove troublesome

Highlights the potential for causing trouble or annoyance.

may encounter hurdles

Focuses on the hurdles that need to be overcome.

might require effort

Focuses on the effort needed, implying difficulty.

could involve complications

Highlights the potential for complex or intricate issues.

might face resistance

Suggests the possibility of encountering opposition or pushback.

FAQs

How can I use "may be difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "may be difficult" to express the possibility of a challenge or obstacle. For example, "Convincing him to change his mind "may be difficult", but it's worth trying."

What are some alternatives to "may be difficult"?

Alternatives include "could be challenging", "might be problematic", or "may not be easy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "may be difficult" or "will be difficult"?

"May be difficult" suggests a possibility, while "will be difficult" indicates a higher degree of certainty. Choose the phrase that best reflects your assessment of the situation.

What is the difference between "may be difficult" and "is difficult"?

"May be difficult" implies uncertainty and a possibility of challenge. "Is difficult" states the difficulty as a fact. The choice depends on whether you want to express a possibility or a certainty.