proves difficult for

USAGE SUMMARY

'proves difficult for' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is hard or challenging to do for someone. For example: "Understanding the instructions for the project proves difficult for many of the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The devastation in the mid-70's of Cambodia is so complex an experience that it proves difficult for people to fully understand (Deborah Sontag, Nov. 16).

The New York Times - Magazine

Social planning proves difficult for most startups for a number of reasons.

TechCrunch

The K-S test shows that prediction on an hour-to-hour and day-to-day basis proves difficult for the DNI case; however, a month-to-month prediction gives statistically well-correlated results with the measured data.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Later on the family is eating dinner at a restaurant, which proves difficult for Heidi.

Huffington Post

Practice hiding your pain, if this proves difficult for you.

WikiHow

Ask for help from someone stronger if this proves difficult for you! defer.add img); For torn knees or other torn areas such as the thighs: Try on the jeans, and with a pencil or sewing marker, make a horizontal mark across the front of your knee while you're sitting.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Sunday's game proved difficult for everyone.

The New York Times

The early 1990's proved difficult for Mr. bin Laden.

The New York Times

Politically, too, the approach could prove difficult for Abbott.

The Guardian

The adjustment is already proving difficult for some.

The Guardian

It acknowledges its withdrawal could prove difficult for some consumers.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proves difficult for", ensure that the subject clearly identifies who or what is facing the difficulty. For example, "The new software proves difficult for novice users."

Common error

Avoid using "proves difficult for" with overly abstract subjects that lack a clear connection to an actor or recipient of the difficulty. Instead of saying "The situation proves difficult for resolution", specify who finds the resolution difficult, such as "Negotiators find the situation difficult for resolution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proves difficult for" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state or condition of a subject and indicating that something is challenging or troublesome for a specific entity. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts where challenges are experienced.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proves difficult for" serves to express that something presents significant challenges or obstacles for a particular entity. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Analysis of its usage indicates that it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with notable presence in wiki and scientific domains. It maintains a generally neutral tone, fitting various communicative purposes. While related phrases such as "is challenging for" or "presents a challenge for" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning, it's important to note potential misuse with overly abstract subjects. When using this phrase, clarity is key to ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what is facing the difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is challenging for

Simplifies the structure while maintaining the core meaning.

presents a challenge for

Emphasizes the challenging aspect, focusing on the obstacle presented.

poses difficulties for

Highlights the difficulties that something creates.

creates obstacles for

Focuses on the obstacles that arise.

is problematic for

Indicates that something is causing problems.

is troublesome for

Highlights the troublesome nature of something.

is tough for

Uses a more informal term to convey difficulty.

is arduous for

Emphasizes the effort required, suggesting a strenuous task.

is a struggle for

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved, suggesting a prolonged challenge.

is no easy task for

Underlines the lack of ease associated with the activity.

FAQs

How can I use "proves difficult for" in a sentence?

Use "proves difficult for" to indicate that something is challenging or hard for someone. For example, "The exam "proves difficult for" many students."

What are some alternatives to "proves difficult for"?

You can use alternatives such as "is challenging for", "presents a challenge for", or "poses difficulties for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "proves difficult for" or "is difficult for"?

"Proves difficult for" implies a realization or demonstration of difficulty over time, whereas "is difficult for" is a more general statement of difficulty. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the unfolding realization of the difficulty.

What's the difference between "proves difficult for" and "becomes difficult for"?

"Proves difficult for" suggests that something is inherently challenging and the difficulty is being demonstrated, while "becomes difficult for" indicates that something was not initially challenging but has transitioned into being so.