may be difficult to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be difficult to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential challenges or obstacles that someone might face in a particular situation. Example: "Learning a new language may be difficult to master without consistent practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may be difficult to imagine.

The New Yorker

That deadline may be difficult to meet.

The New York Times

That prospect may be difficult to achieve.

The New York Times

But it may be difficult to sell.

The Guardian - Film

And, so, they may be difficult to honor.

The New York Times

Even those cases may be difficult to reopen.

The New York Times

"That may be difficult to prove for 23 apartments".

The New York Times

But it may be difficult to recover even that many.

The New York Times

Then it may be difficult to avoid a recession".

The New York Times

Indeed, it may be difficult to separate them.

Stanford University

Under this handicap, success may be difficult to achieve.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be difficult to" to express uncertainty about the ease of achieving a task, but follow it with a specific reason or explanation to strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "may be difficult to" without providing context or specifics. Instead of saying "The project may be difficult to complete", specify why it might be difficult: "The project may be difficult to complete due to limited resources and tight deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be difficult to" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a degree of possibility or likelihood regarding the difficulty of a particular action or situation. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used to introduce a potential challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be difficult to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a potential challenge or obstacle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various fields like news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's best practice to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "could prove challenging" or "might present difficulties" to tailor your language to the specific situation. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate potential challenges while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could prove challenging

Emphasizes the potential for encountering significant obstacles.

might present difficulties

Highlights the possibility of facing certain hurdles.

could be problematic

Suggests a potential for issues or complications to arise.

might not be easy

Simple and direct way of stating a potential challenge.

may require effort

Focuses on the need for exertion to overcome a potential obstacle.

could involve complications

Highlights potential complexities in a given process or situation.

might face obstacles

Specifically mentions potential roadblocks or impediments.

could be an uphill battle

Implies a long and arduous struggle.

might not be straightforward

Suggests a process or situation might be more intricate than initially assumed.

may not be a walk in the park

Idiomatic expression indicating that something will likely be challenging.

FAQs

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

Use "may be difficult to" to express a potential challenge or obstacle. For example, "Mastering a new skill "may be difficult to" without dedicated practice".

What are some alternatives to "may be difficult to"?

You can use alternatives such as "could prove challenging", "might present difficulties", or "might not be easy" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "may be difficult to" or "is difficult to"?

"May be difficult to" indicates a possibility or uncertainty, while "is difficult to" states a definite fact. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the certainty of the situation you're describing.

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

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, expressing a potential challenge. "May" suggests a slightly higher degree of uncertainty than "could", but they are often interchangeable.