notoriously difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"notoriously difficult" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a task, person, or situation which is particularly hard or challenging. For example, "The final exam for this course is notoriously difficult, so be sure to study hard!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Its programs are notoriously difficult.

The New York Times - Travel

"But it is notoriously difficult.

The New York Times

Passing amendments is notoriously difficult.

The New York Times

Groups are notoriously difficult things".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Tracking such empires' activities is notoriously difficult.

The Economist

Argerich is notoriously difficult to pin down.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, studying jellyfish is notoriously difficult.

The New York Times

Predicting missile capabilities is notoriously difficult.

The New York Times

And artists are notoriously difficult to control.

The New York Times - Arts

Constitutional amendments are notoriously difficult to ratify.

The New Yorker

It is "notoriously difficult" to assess this.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "notoriously difficult", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the subject challenging to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "notoriously difficult" hyperbolically. Reserve it for situations where the difficulty is genuinely well-known and significant; otherwise, consider a less emphatic term to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notoriously difficult" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is widely known to be challenging or problematic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "notoriously difficult" is a powerful descriptor, indicating that a subject, task, or situation is widely recognized for its challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As seen in various examples from news sources like The New York Times and scientific publications, it's frequently used to emphasize established difficulty. While suitable for formal writing, it's important to avoid overstating the difficulty and ensure the context warrants such a strong term. Alternatives like "extremely challenging" or "remarkably complicated" may be more appropriate in some cases. Ultimately, "notoriously difficult" serves to warn and prepare an audience for significant challenges, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely challenging

This alternative emphasizes the level of challenge involved.

remarkably complicated

This alternative focuses on the complexity and intricacy of the subject.

exceptionally problematic

This alternative highlights the issues and obstacles associated with something.

famously arduous

This alternative implies that the difficulty is well-known and demanding.

particularly taxing

This alternative suggests a significant drain on resources or energy.

devilishly intricate

This alternative uses a more playful tone to describe the complexity.

highly demanding

This alternative emphasizes the requirements and expectations involved.

infamously complex

This alternative suggests a negative reputation due to its complexity.

uncommonly intricate

This alternative focuses on the unusual and detailed nature of the complexity.

singularly tough

This alternative emphasizes the uniqueness of the difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "notoriously difficult" to describe tasks, subjects, or situations that are widely known for being challenging. For example, "Quantum physics is a "notoriously difficult" subject to master".

What are some alternatives to "notoriously difficult"?

Some alternatives include "extremely challenging", "remarkably complicated", or "exceptionally problematic", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "notoriously difficult" in formal writing?

Yes, "notoriously difficult" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, ensure that the context warrants such a strong descriptor.

What makes "notoriously difficult" different from "difficult"?

"Notoriously difficult" implies that the difficulty is widely known or recognized, whereas "difficult" simply indicates that something is not easy. The addition of "notoriously" adds a layer of established reputation or common knowledge about the difficulty.