proves to be difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proves 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, which seemed straightforward at first, proves to be difficult due to unforeseen complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Getting together for the big day proves to be difficult.

The New York Times

However it proves to be difficult because of its compatibility with only Internet Explorer (IE) pre-version 10.

Columbia University

Although the aviation community has embraced this perspective, it proves to be difficult to realize this envisioned level of human-machine collaboration, especially for cognitive tasks.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Typically, evaluation of frictional properties proves to be difficult because of problems instrumenting machine tooling and both the complexity and number of stages in the forming process.

Wear

Even if communication proves to be difficult, rational decision-makers should avoid unprovoked attacks, because their success would be very difficult to assure.

Acta Astronautica

The implementation of inflammatory cytokines, however, proves to be difficult when considered for therapeutical approaches (Mountziaris et al. 2011).

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Identifying those highlands proved to be difficult.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This proved to be difficult.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, parenting has proven to be difficult to change.

Stanford University

But finding suitable space in Manhattan proved to be difficult.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proves to be difficult" when you want to emphasize that a task or situation, initially perceived as manageable, reveals unexpected challenges or complexities.

Common error

Avoid using "proves to be difficult" in situations where a simpler phrase like "is hard" or "is challenging" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proves to be difficult" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the subject by indicating that something is or becomes challenging. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase for describing unexpectedly challenging situations. Examples show its use across diverse subjects, from marriage to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proves to be difficult" is a commonly used predicate adjective phrase that indicates something turns out to be more challenging than initially expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a range of contexts. Predominantly used in science, news and media, and wiki contexts, it maintains a generally neutral to formal register. The phrase's function is to convey an unexpected challenge, and while versatile, should be used judiciously to avoid unnecessary formality. Alternatives such as "turns out to be challenging" and "is found to be hard" offer simpler ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turns out to be challenging

Replaces "proves" with "turns out", emphasizing the realization of difficulty over time.

is found to be hard

Uses a more direct and simpler vocabulary to express the difficulty.

becomes problematic

Shifts the focus from difficulty to the emergence of problems.

presents a challenge

Rephrases the difficulty as a challenge to be overcome.

poses difficulties

Highlights the difficulties as something that is imposed or created.

is more complicated than expected

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the complexity.

is not as easy as it seems

Implies a deceptive simplicity that is revealed to be untrue.

entails considerable effort

Focuses on the amount of effort required due to the difficulty.

demands significant resources

Highlights the resources needed to overcome the difficulty.

requires careful handling

Suggests that the difficulty requires caution and precision.

FAQs

What does "proves to be difficult" mean?

The phrase "proves to be difficult" means that something turns out to be more challenging than initially expected. It implies a realization of difficulty that was not immediately apparent.

What are some alternatives to "proves to be difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "turns out to be challenging", "is found to be hard", or "becomes problematic" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "proves difficult" instead of "proves to be difficult"?

While "proves difficult" is grammatically correct, "proves to be difficult" is more common and often sounds more natural in contemporary English. However, the choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

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

You can use it to describe a task, situation, or relationship that presents unexpected challenges. For example: "The negotiation, which seemed straightforward at first, "proves to be difficult" due to unforeseen complications."