prove to be difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prove to be difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or task that turns out to be more challenging than initially expected. Example: "The project was supposed to be straightforward, but it proved to be difficult due to unforeseen complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Foreign and defense policy should prove to be difficult, too.

The New York Times

The next few years would prove to be difficult for Anderson.

Stanford University

The combination of Viterra's trading operations with Glencore's existing businesses also may prove to be difficult.

The New York Times

It can bring other banks under its supervision, but this could prove to be difficult.

The New York Times

But that may prove to be difficult, and a lot may be at stake.

The Economist

That strategy seems to make sense, but the execution could prove to be difficult.

The Washington Post

I am curious about what happens to these characters when their ambitions prove to be difficult to realize.

The New Yorker

For MegaFon, which is the second-largest operator in Russia based on subscribers, an attempt to raise new capital could prove to be difficult.

The New York Times

Mark Hunter, the Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle and a deputy chief whip, said the plans could prove to be difficult with the party and its MPs.

The Guardian

Mr. Lind said, "Of course I will abide by the judge's decision, but I think it will prove to be difficult for people in New York to face jury participation in a case like this".

The New York Times

While there are precise analytical model available to assess the calculation of critical and ultimate load for global and local buckling separately, the interaction of both modes prove to be difficult as membrane effects and imperfections are of major impact.

Thin-Walled Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "become problematic" or "turn out to be challenging" for variety in your writing and to avoid repetition.

Common error

While "prove to be difficult" is acceptable, overuse of passive constructions can make writing seem weak. Sometimes, active voice constructions, like 'the task challenged us', are more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove to be difficult" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the characteristic or state of a subject. It indicates that something has demonstrated or revealed itself to be challenging. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prove to be difficult" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote that something has turned out to be more challenging than initially anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. It enjoys frequent usage in news, scientific, and formal communication, suggesting its appropriateness for professional and academic writing. While synonyms like "turn out to be challenging" and "become problematic" offer alternatives, "prove to be difficult" remains a reliable choice for conveying unexpected challenges. Using this knowledge, you can confidently use it in your writings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prove to be problematic

Highlights the aspect of causing problems or difficulties.

turn out to be challenging

Focuses on the eventual challenging nature, rather than an inherent difficulty from the start.

end up being hard

Emphasizes the eventual state of being difficult, often unexpectedly.

become problematic

Highlights the aspect of causing problems or difficulties.

present challenges

Shifts the focus to the challenges themselves, rather than the process of something becoming difficult.

pose difficulties

Similar to 'present challenges', but emphasizes the act of creating difficulties.

be fraught with difficulty

Emphasizes the filled or burdened state of something with difficulty.

encounter obstacles

Highlights the act of facing impediments or difficulties.

face complications

Focuses on encountering complex or intricate difficulties.

be an uphill battle

Implies a continuous and arduous struggle against difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "prove to be difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "prove to be difficult" to describe a situation or task that turns out to be more challenging than initially expected. For example, "The project was supposed to be straightforward, but it "proved to be difficult" due to unforeseen complications."

What can I say instead of "prove to be difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "turn out to be challenging", "end up being hard", or "become problematic" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "prove difficult" or "prove to be difficult"?

"Prove to be difficult" is more common and grammatically complete. "Prove difficult" can sound abrupt in some contexts. Therefore, "prove to be difficult" is generally the preferred option.

What is the difference between "prove to be difficult" and "is difficult"?

"Prove to be difficult" implies a process of becoming difficult over time or after initial expectations, whereas "is difficult" simply states the current state of being difficult without implying a change.