noticeably more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "noticeably more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that has become significantly harder to manage or understand compared to a previous state. Example: "The new math curriculum is noticeably more difficult than the previous one, challenging students to think critically."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Shares in rival Michael Page eased 0.75p to 205.25p after the firm said gross profit fell by 7.3% in the fourth quarter and warned that market conditions had become noticeably more difficult.

The Guardian

It's not that learning how to program has gotten noticeably more difficult over the years.

TechCrunch

Anthropy compared it to the Nintendo game Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels which was noticeably more difficult than its predecessor, Super Mario Bros.

Wikipedia

The effect was such, that even though the color task was noticeably more difficult (as can be seen from the means on T1), the blink was more pronounced in the identity task, that is, performance dropped below that of the color task.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Why don't you call a cab or ask someone who's not drinking take you home?" The situation can be more difficult when the individual who's been drinking is not noticeably impaired.

Huffington Post

Synonymous substitution rates are more difficult to analyze than substitution rates in repeats, as synonymous rates are noticeably influenced by sites subject to selection.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In Android there's noticeably more nuance.

The Guardian - Tech

The surface is now noticeably more rusted.

The New York Times

The Mirror was noticeably more sympathetic.

The Guardian

McCain, though, is noticeably more enthusiastic.

The Guardian

The new attitudes are noticeably more sophisticated than the old.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "noticeably more difficult", provide context to explain why the difficulty has increased. This helps the reader understand the specific challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid stacking intensifiers with "noticeably more difficult" (e.g., "very noticeably more difficult"). This can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful. Instead, let "noticeably" and "difficult" carry the weight.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "noticeably more difficult" is to act as a descriptive modifier. It qualifies a noun, indicating a clear and perceptible increase in the level of difficulty associated with that noun. Ludwig examples show the phrase describing market conditions, video games, and academic tasks.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "noticeably more difficult" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a perceptible increase in difficulty. While Ludwig indicates it is relatively rare, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and general discussions. It’s essential to avoid redundancy by not stacking intensifiers, and to provide context explaining the increase in difficulty. Alternatives such as ""significantly more challenging"" or ""markedly more complex"" can be used to add nuance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and provides examples across different sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly more challenging

Emphasizes a substantial increase in difficulty.

markedly more complex

Highlights the increased complexity of a situation or task.

considerably harder

Indicates a significant degree of increased effort required.

appreciably tougher

Suggests that the difficulty is easily perceived or measured.

distinctly more arduous

Emphasizes the laboriousness and effort involved.

substantially more problematic

Focuses on the increase in problems or obstacles.

noticeably harder to manage

Highlights the increased difficulty in controlling or directing something.

measurably more demanding

Suggests an increase in the requirements or expectations.

visibly more taxing

Indicates an increase in the draining or exhausting nature of something.

plainly more intricate

Emphasizes the added complexity and detail involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "noticeably more difficult" to describe a situation or task that has become significantly harder than before. For example: "The new exam was "noticeably more difficult" than the previous one."

What are some alternatives to "noticeably more difficult"?

Some alternatives include "significantly more challenging", "markedly more complex", or "considerably harder", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "noticeably more difficult" in formal writing?

Yes, "noticeably more difficult" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider the context. In some cases, a more precise or technical term might be preferable. However, "noticeably more difficult" is generally acceptable.

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

"Noticeably more difficult" indicates a significant increase in difficulty that is easily observed or experienced. "Slightly more difficult" suggests a minor increase that may not be as apparent. The choice depends on the degree of increased challenge you want to convey.