much more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two things and assert that one of them is more difficult than the other. For example: "The final exam was much more difficult than the midterms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's much more difficult.

The New York Times

This is much more difficult.

The Economist

"Peace is much more difficult".

The New Yorker

That's much more difficult".

The Guardian - Books

The risotto is not much more difficult.

The New York Times - Magazine

It makes things much more difficult".

The New Yorker

"It makes my job much more difficult.

Independent

It is much more difficult than poetry.

The New Yorker

The terrain is much more difficult.

Independent

It is much more difficult to arrange.

The Economist

It's a much more difficult battle".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two tasks or situations, use "much more difficult" to clearly indicate a significant difference in the level of difficulty. For instance, "Solving this equation is "much more difficult" than I anticipated".

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "much more difficult" without explaining why. Provide specific reasons or examples to support your claim and make it more convincing. For example, instead of just saying "The second level is "much more difficult"", explain "The second level is "much more difficult" because it requires precise timing and strategic resource management".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much more difficult" functions as an intensified comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a noun by indicating that it possesses a significantly greater degree of difficulty compared to something else. Ludwig AI shows examples across various domains, confirming its versatility and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Unknown/unmatched sources

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much more difficult" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize a significant difference in difficulty between two subjects or tasks. It is versatile and appears across diverse contexts, including news media, science, and formal business settings, reflecting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context to justify the increased difficulty for a more effective communication. Consider using alternatives such as "considerably harder" or "significantly tougher" to add nuance to your writing. Avoid overusing it without supporting explanations to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably harder

This alternative emphasizes a significant increase in difficulty.

significantly tougher

This alternative uses "tougher" which implies resilience required in addition to difficulty.

markedly more challenging

This alternative uses "challenging", highlighting the aspect of testing one's abilities.

substantially trickier

This alternative suggests a higher level of complexity or deceptiveness.

noticeably more complex

This alternative focuses on the increased complexity of the subject.

appreciably more demanding

This alternative focuses on the increased demands or requirements involved.

distinctly more strenuous

This alternative highlights the increased effort required.

palpably more arduous

This alternative emphasizes the burdensome nature of the task.

manifestly harder to accomplish

This alternative emphasizes the reduced probability of successfully completing the task.

demonstrably more intricate

This alternative highlights the increase in detailed and complex elements.

FAQs

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

Use "much more difficult" to compare the relative difficulty of two tasks or situations. For example, "Climbing Mount Everest is "far more difficult" than climbing a small hill".

What are some alternatives to saying "much more difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "considerably harder", "significantly tougher", or "markedly more challenging" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each option emphasizes a different aspect of increased difficulty.

Which is correct, "more difficult" or "much more difficult"?

"More difficult" indicates a higher degree of difficulty, while "much more difficult" emphasizes a significantly larger difference in difficulty. The choice depends on the context and the degree of difference you want to express.

What's the difference between "much more difficult" and "slightly more difficult"?

"Much more difficult" indicates a substantial increase in difficulty, whereas "slightly more difficult" suggests only a minor difference. The best choice depends on the actual difference in effort or skill required.