may prove difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may prove difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to indicate that something could be hard or challenging to do or accomplish. Example Sentence: Memorizing all the steps in the dance routine may prove difficult.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may prove difficult.

The New York Times

This may prove difficult.

The New York Times - Science

Getting 218 votes may prove difficult.

The New York Times

But it may prove difficult to implement.

MIT Technology Review

Scheduling may prove difficult as well, he said.

The New York Times

But turning those interdictions into a strategy may prove difficult.

The New York Times

But there a few reasons this may prove difficult.

The Guardian

Furthermore, once open, such mouths may prove difficult to close.

The New York Times

Some of the agency's requests may prove difficult, he said.

The New York Times

Hiding your own pre-quitting behaviors may prove difficult.

Harvard Business Review

However, to do so may prove difficult and stressful.

Psychology of Sport and Exercise

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may prove difficult", follow it with an explanation of why it might be challenging. This provides context and enhances the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "may prove difficult" when you are certain that something will be impossible. The phrase indicates a possibility of difficulty, not a guarantee of failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may prove difficult" functions as a hedge, softening a statement about potential challenges. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a possibility rather than a certainty. Examples show it used before explaining reasons for the potential difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may prove difficult" is a versatile expression used to introduce potential challenges without asserting them as certainties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts and serves to soften statements and temper expectations. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, be mindful of overstating certainty and consider alternatives like "could be challenging" in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be challenging

Replaces "prove difficult" with a simpler, more direct expression of a challenge.

might be problematic

Substitutes "difficult" with "problematic", highlighting potential issues or problems that could arise.

could present obstacles

Emphasizes the idea of facing impediments or barriers.

might encounter hurdles

Uses "hurdles" to convey specific, smaller challenges that need to be overcome.

could face complications

Highlights the possibility of intricate or complex issues arising.

may be easier said than done

Expresses skepticism about the simplicity of a task, suggesting it may be more complex than it appears.

might not be a walk in the park

Informally indicates that something could be tough or demanding.

could be fraught with challenges

Emphasizes that something will be filled with many difficulties or struggles.

presents a tough challenge

Focuses on describing the difficulty as a substantial challenge.

may not be straightforward

Indicates that something is complex and not easily understood or achieved.

FAQs

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

You can use "may prove difficult" to express that a task or situation might present challenges. For instance, "Implementing the new policy may prove difficult due to budget constraints."

What are some alternatives to "may prove difficult"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be challenging", "might be problematic", or "could present obstacles", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

"May prove difficult" suggests a possibility or potential for difficulty, whereas "is difficult" states the difficulty as a fact. The former is less assertive and leaves room for uncertainty.

Is "may prove difficult" too formal for casual conversation?

While "may prove difficult" is suitable for formal writing and speech, it might sound slightly elevated in very casual settings. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "could be tough" or "might be hard".