quite difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that is more than mildly challenging. For example, "The math problem was quite difficult, so it took me several hours to come up with the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Caravaggio's quite difficult.

Independent

This has proved quite difficult.

The New York Times

"But executing is quite difficult".

The New York Times

"It's quite difficult to procure".

The New York Times

It's quite difficult".

The Guardian - Sport

It would be quite difficult".

The Guardian

I find it quite difficult.

The Guardian

It probably was quite difficult".

The Guardian - Arts

"It was really quite difficult.

The New York Times - Arts

That must be quite difficult.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is quite difficult to judge.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite difficult" to convey a nuanced level of challenge, indicating it's more than just slightly hard but not overwhelmingly impossible. It's useful when you want to avoid stronger terms like "very difficult" or "impossible".

Common error

While "quite difficult" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "moderately complex" or "substantially challenging" to enhance the sophistication of your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite difficult" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the degree of challenge or complexity involved. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite difficult" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase, indicating a notable but not overwhelming level of challenge or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely acceptable in English writing. While versatile, remember to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. You can say alternatives to "quite difficult" such as "moderately challenging", "somewhat demanding", or "fairly complex" to enrich your vocabulary and add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively difficult

Indicates difficulty relative to something else, suggesting a comparison.

pretty challenging

Uses a more informal adjective to convey a similar level of difficulty.

somewhat demanding

Highlights the effort required, focusing on the demands placed on the individual.

moderately complex

Emphasizes the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the task or situation.

fairly problematic

Suggests the existence of issues or obstacles that cause difficulty.

rather intricate

Highlights the detailed and complex nature of the subject.

slightly taxing

Focuses on the depleting effect of the task, implying it requires effort and resources.

not a walk in the park

An idiomatic expression meaning something is not easy.

a tough nut to crack

Implies a problem requires significant effort to solve.

presents some hurdles

Highlights the obstacles one has to overcome.

FAQs

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

The phrase "quite difficult" is used to describe something that presents a notable challenge. For instance, "Solving this equation is "quite difficult"" or "Adapting to the new environment has been "quite difficult"".

What are some alternatives to "quite difficult"?

Alternatives include "moderately challenging", "somewhat demanding", or "fairly complex". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "rather difficult" instead of "quite difficult"?

Yes, "rather difficult" is a similar expression and generally interchangeable with "quite difficult". Both convey a similar level of challenge or complexity. There's little difference in their practical usage, although "quite" might suggest slightly more emphasis than "rather".

What is the difference between "quite difficult" and "very difficult"?

"Very difficult" suggests a higher degree of challenge or complexity than "quite difficult". "Quite difficult" indicates something is notably challenging, but "very difficult" implies an even greater level of effort or skill is required to overcome it.