physically difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physically difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or activity that requires significant physical effort or presents a challenge to one's physical abilities. Example: "The hike up the mountain was physically difficult, requiring stamina and endurance to reach the summit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Life is physically difficult.

The Guardian - Travel

Speaking is physically difficult for me.

The New York Times

The work of bike messengers is intense and physically difficult.

Cornell University

Their jobs are physically difficult, especially during the winter cold.

The New York Times

Shame on them...Speaking is physically difficult for me.

The Washington Post

It is irresistible, actually physically difficult to resist.

The New York Times - Arts

With Bruckner, even though it's physically difficult with the tremolando, you don't".

The New York Times - Arts

"Fort Bragg will be probably more physically difficult, but this is a mental test," Woods said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

One way to decrease turnout is to make it physically more difficult to vote.

The New York Times

Ascents may be the more satisfying and metabolically challenging part of hiking, but descents are physically more difficult in many ways.

Harvard University

"Logistically, it might be physically too difficult to get the checks out by Christmas," said Councilman David I. Weprin of Queens, who is chairman of the Finance Committee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an activity as "physically difficult", specify which aspect of the activity makes it so. For example, mention the specific muscles used, the environment, or the length of time required.

Common error

Avoid using "physically difficult" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying "The task was physically difficult", explain what made it challenging—was it the weight, the repetitive motions, or the lack of rest?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physically difficult" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun to describe activities, tasks, or situations that present a significant physical challenge. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is commonly used across diverse contexts to highlight the physical demands associated with the subject being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physically difficult" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe tasks or activities that require substantial physical exertion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts. It is observed frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specify what aspects render the activity physically challenging. Alternatives such as "physically challenging" or "physically demanding" can be used for variety. Overall, "physically difficult" is a versatile and effective way to communicate the demands of a given task or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physically challenging

Emphasizes the demanding nature regarding physical abilities.

physically demanding

Highlights the high level of physical exertion required.

strenuous

Suggests a task requiring great effort and energy.

arduous

Implies a long and difficult effort.

laborious

Focuses on the effort involving hard manual work.

taxing on the body

Specifically refers to the strain on one's physical health.

physically exhausting

Highlights the depleting nature of an activity.

tough on the physique

Informal way to describe effects on body condition.

heavy-duty

Suggests that something is robust and requires significant physical input.

back-breaking

Describes work that is extremely tiring and hard.

FAQs

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

You can use "physically difficult" to describe tasks, activities, or conditions that require significant physical effort. For example, "Running a marathon is a "physically difficult" feat."

What are some alternatives to saying "physically difficult"?

Alternatives include "physically challenging", "physically demanding", "strenuous", or "arduous". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "physically difficult" or "mentally difficult"?

The choice depends on whether the primary challenge is physical or mental. Use "physically difficult" when the main obstacle involves physical effort or strain. Use "mentally difficult" when the challenge primarily involves cognitive effort, problem-solving, or emotional resilience.

What makes something "physically difficult"?

Factors such as heavy lifting, prolonged exertion, extreme environmental conditions (heat, cold, altitude), and repetitive motions can all contribute to making something "physically difficult".