may find difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may find difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential challenges or obstacles someone might encounter in a particular situation. Example: "Students may find difficult concepts in mathematics if they do not practice regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Also, displaced population may find difficult to absorb such norms.

Princeton University

But it may lead to some countries legally adopting approaches others may find difficult to accept.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a lead inspector, my job means delivering challenging messages that local authorities may find difficult to hear.

The Guardian

Please note: The film contains a scene of cruelty to animals that some may find difficult viewing.

University of California, Berkeley

At first glance, the movie is an extravagant display of excessive lifestyles, which many may find difficult to relate to.

The Washington Post

Meanwhile Valerie manipulates some Iraqi scientists and their relatives while gathering evidence in the national interest and makes promises of safe conduct she may find difficult to honour.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Individual firms may find enforcement difficult.

The Economist

"We may find it difficult to distinguish friend from foe.

The Guardian

Temperamentally, Mr Brown may find it difficult to cope.

The Economist

But many may find it difficult to go through Mr. Steidle's open door.

The New York Times

If you focus on the pitch, you may find it difficult to convey emotion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may find difficult", consider the audience and context. For formal writing, alternatives like "might encounter difficulty" may be more appropriate. In informal settings, "might have trouble with" is often suitable.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "may find difficult" can sound somewhat informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "might present a challenge" or "could pose difficulties" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may find difficult" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potentiality. It indicates that someone or something might encounter a challenge or obstacle. As Ludwig AI points out, it is generally considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may find difficult" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a potential challenge or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings. It is important to consider the audience and context when choosing between "may find difficult" and its alternatives, such as "might struggle with" or "could encounter difficulty".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might encounter difficulty

Uses "encounter difficulty" instead of "find difficult", slightly more formal.

could struggle with

Replaces "may find" with "could struggle", indicating a more active effort to overcome the difficulty.

might have trouble with

Substitutes "may find" with "might have trouble", suggesting potential problems.

may face challenges

Employs "face challenges" instead of "find difficult", highlighting the presence of obstacles.

could experience difficulty

Replaces "find" with "experience", emphasizing the subjective feeling of difficulty.

might be challenged by

Uses a passive construction with "challenged by", focusing on the source of the difficulty.

may have a hard time with

Replaces "find difficult" with "have a hard time", conveying a sense of hardship.

could be problematic

Shifts the focus to the difficulty itself being problematic, rather than the act of finding it difficult.

may not easily grasp

Focuses on comprehension rather than general difficulty.

might prove taxing

Uses "prove taxing" to indicate that something may become burdensome or demanding.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may find difficult" is used to express a potential challenge or obstacle someone might encounter. For example: "Students "may find difficult" concepts in mathematics if they do not practice regularly".

What are some alternatives to "may find difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "might struggle with", "could have trouble with", or "might encounter difficulty" depending on the context.

Is "may find it difficult" more correct than "may find difficult"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "may find it difficult" is more common and often sounds more natural. The inclusion of "it" provides a clearer structure, especially when the difficult aspect is further specified.

What's the difference between "may find difficult" and "might find difficult"?

"May" and "might" both express possibility, but "might" often suggests a slightly lower probability or a more tentative suggestion. In most contexts, they are interchangeable, but "might" can sometimes convey a greater sense of uncertainty.