more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are comparing two objects, tasks, or ideas and one is more challenging than the other. For example, "This math problem is more difficult than the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's even more difficult.

The New York Times

Meat was more difficult.

The New York Times - Food

More difficult decisions".

The Economist

It's much more difficult.

The New York Times

That is more difficult.

The Economist

Zone is more difficult.

The New York Times - Sports

That's far more difficult.

Independent

But it is more difficult.

Independent

Ocean negotiates more difficult territory.

The New Yorker

This is much more difficult.

The Economist

Casting Jimmy was more difficult.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two things, use "more difficult" to clearly indicate which presents a greater challenge. For example, "Solving this equation is "more difficult" than solving the previous one."

Common error

While "more difficult" is accurate for expressing a greater challenge, consider using more descriptive adjectives like "complex" or "demanding" for nuanced comparisons. Overusing "more difficult" can make your writing sound repetitive and less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more difficult" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that something possesses a higher degree of difficulty compared to something else. Ludwig shows it in various contexts, indicating a broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more difficult" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase used to express a higher degree of challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various writing styles. It is very common in diverse contexts, particularly within News & Media and Academia. When using the phrase, consider its purpose and select more specific adjectives to enhance clarity and avoid overuse. For situations where the difficulty has a nuanced character, consider alternatives such as "more challenging" or "more complex". Remember, context matters and using the right word will always deliver a message with more impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harder

A simpler, more direct way of expressing increased difficulty.

more challenging

Emphasizes the stimulating or engaging aspect of the difficulty.

increasingly difficult

Focuses on the progressive nature of the difficulty.

more complex

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the difficulty.

more complicated

Focuses on the convoluted and confusing aspects of the difficulty.

more demanding

Highlights the increased requirements and expectations.

more arduous

Stresses the effort and stamina required due to the difficulty.

more intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the difficulty.

more troublesome

Indicates that the difficulty is causing problems or annoyance.

more taxing

Stresses the depleting or burdensome aspect of the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "more difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "more difficult" to compare the relative difficulty of two or more tasks, concepts, or situations. For example, "Understanding quantum physics is "more difficult" than understanding classical mechanics."

What are some alternatives to saying "more difficult"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "more challenging", "more complex", or "harder" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more difficult"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "More" is used to form the comparative degree of adjectives with two or more syllables, like "difficult".

What's the difference between "more difficult" and "most difficult"?

"More difficult" compares two items, while "most difficult" identifies the superlative, indicating the highest degree of difficulty among three or more items. For example, "This task is "more difficult" than that one, but the previous one was the "most difficult" of all."