only difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is challenging or hard, often in a context where other aspects may be easier or less complicated. Example: "The exam was only difficult for those who hadn't studied the material thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The only difficult contest is at Philadelphia on Dec. 3.

The New York Times - Sports

"There are only difficult, ambiguous and unresolved stories".

The Economist

That was not the only difficult hole for Perez.

The New York Times

It was only difficult to write it well".

The New York Times

For a long time he thought only difficult poems had value.

The New York Times

The only difficult thing is the last week before the fight.

The Guardian - Sport

The only difficult thing was the scene where I take off my shirt to wash.

The Guardian

"They are not only difficult decisions, but sometimes you have to suddenly change gears.

The New York Times

It a situation not only difficult for those pursuing a more open trade agenda.

The Guardian - Business

"We understand that there are no easier answers and only difficult choices for the chancellor.

The Guardian

Our work has been not only difficult, it has been dangerous, and in some cases fatal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only difficult", ensure that the context clearly contrasts this difficulty with other aspects that may be simpler or easier. This helps to emphasize the specific challenge being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "only difficult" when the subject is overwhelmingly complex. This phrase implies a specific, contained challenge, not an all-encompassing one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only difficult" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifying the degree or nature of difficulty. It indicates that while something is challenging, the difficulty is limited or specific, and Ludwig AI shows this phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only difficult" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI, which emphasizes a limited or specific challenge. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, its function is to provide a nuanced assessment of difficulty, clarifying that the challenge is not absolute. While alternatives such as "merely challenging" or "just tough" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. When using "only difficult", ensure clarity by contrasting the difficulty with other simpler aspects, and avoid misapplication in overwhelmingly complex situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely challenging

Replaces "only difficult" with a more concise and slightly less intense expression of the level of difficulty.

just tough

Uses a more informal and direct way to convey the idea that something is simply difficult and nothing more.

solely problematic

Focuses on the problematic aspect, implying that difficulty is the primary issue.

simply arduous

Replaces "difficult" with "arduous", suggesting a more laborious and prolonged challenge.

exclusively demanding

Emphasizes the demanding nature of something, highlighting that it requires significant effort.

uniquely complex

Shifts the focus to the complexity involved, suggesting that the difficulty arises from intricate details.

particularly taxing

Highlights the burdensome and draining aspect of the difficulty.

purely strenuous

Focuses on the physically or mentally exhausting nature of the difficulty.

uncommonly tough

Emphasizes the unusual degree of toughness, implying that it is more difficult than usual.

unusually challenging

Highlights that the difficulty is beyond the ordinary level of challenge.

FAQs

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

Use "only difficult" to emphasize that something presents specific challenges while other aspects are less problematic. For example, "The final exam was "only difficult" for students who didn't attend the lectures."

What are some alternatives to saying "only difficult"?

Alternatives include "merely challenging", "just tough", or "solely problematic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "only difficult" or "not easy"?

"Only difficult" highlights specific challenges, while "not easy" is a more general statement of difficulty. Use ""only difficult"" when you want to emphasize that the difficulty is limited to certain aspects.

What's the difference between "only difficult" and "particularly difficult"?

"Only difficult" suggests a contained or specific difficulty, while "particularly difficult" implies a notably high degree of difficulty. "particularly difficult" emphasizes the intensity of the challenge.