particularly difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"particularly difficult" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a specific aspect or task that is especially challenging or troublesome. For example: - "The language barrier made the job particularly difficult for the international team." - "I found the science class particularly difficult because of the complex concepts and equations." - "The hike was already strenuous, but the steep incline towards the end made it particularly difficult." - "I struggled with the software update, but the coding portion was particularly difficult for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Charleston was particularly difficult.

The New York Times

Was any character particularly difficult to write?

The New York Times

But doing so has been particularly difficult.

The New York Times

Mr. Huntsman has a particularly difficult challenge.

The New York Times

String instruments are particularly difficult to simulate.

The New York Times - Magazine

One subject that is particularly difficult?

The New York Times

Future trends are particularly difficult to anticipate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hemp cultivation was particularly difficult.

The New York Times - Arts

It's particularly difficult for Manderson.

The Guardian

Benitez's fight was particularly difficult and controversial.

The New York Times - Sports

Pakistan poses a particularly difficult problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "particularly difficult", ensure you specify what makes the subject challenging to provide context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "particularly difficult" as a vague descriptor. Always follow it with a concrete reason or explanation of why something is challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particularly difficult" functions as an intensifying adjective phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize the high degree of challenge or complexity involved. It highlights that something is notably more challenging than usual, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "particularly difficult" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that presents a significant challenge. According to Ludwig, it functions as an intensifying adjective phrase, emphasizing a higher degree of difficulty than what is generally expected. Its frequent usage across diverse sources like the New York Times, The Guardian, and various scientific journals—as demonstrated by Ludwig—underscores its versatility in both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide context regarding what specifically makes the subject challenging, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives like "especially challenging" and "unusually complex" can offer nuanced substitutes depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

especially challenging

Focuses on the level of challenge involved, similar to the original phrase.

unusually complex

Highlights the complexity aspect, implying it's more intricate than usual.

notably problematic

Emphasizes the presence of problems or issues.

remarkably tough

Stresses the resilience and effort required.

exceptionally demanding

Indicates high requirements and expectations.

singularly arduous

Highlights the strenuous and laborious nature of the task.

distinctly thorny

Draws attention to the problematic and complicated nature of the situation.

decidedly intricate

Focuses on the fine details and complicated structure.

uncommonly taxing

Stresses the heavy burden or strain involved.

uniquely complicated

Focuses on the unparalleled complexity of the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "particularly difficult" to emphasize that something is more challenging than usual. For example, "The exam was "particularly difficult" this year because of the unexpected topics."

What are some alternatives to "particularly difficult"?

You can use alternatives such as "especially challenging", "unusually complex", or "notably problematic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "specifically difficult" or "particularly difficult"?

"Particularly difficult" is generally preferred for emphasizing the degree of difficulty, while "specifically difficult" might be used to indicate a precise or defined area of difficulty. Although "specifically difficult" is a valid option, "particularly difficult" is more common.

What makes something "particularly difficult" versus just "difficult"?

The word "particularly" adds emphasis, indicating that the subject is not just generally difficult, but notably or exceptionally so. It suggests a higher degree of challenge or complexity than something merely described as "difficult."