quite difficult to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite difficult to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or situation that is challenging or hard to accomplish. Example: "The exam was quite difficult to complete within the given time limit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's quite difficult to procure".

The New York Times

It is quite difficult to judge.

Independent

"Catherine is quite difficult to pigeonhole.

The Guardian

But actually it's quite difficult to tell.

The New Yorker

It is quite difficult to adjust.

The Guardian

"This makes it quite difficult to plan ahead".

The New York Times

I was probably quite difficult to be around.

Independent

The scientific method is quite difficult to use in economics.

The Economist

"It's quite difficult to get elected, and it takes time".

The Economist

"But it's quite difficult to make big British films.

Independent

"For me it's quite difficult to say," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite difficult to", consider the audience and context. In formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "somewhat challenging to" or "moderately hard to". In informal settings, "not easy to" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "quite difficult to" when the task is only mildly challenging. Overstating the difficulty can undermine your credibility. Instead, use a more accurate descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite difficult to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an infinitive, describing the degree of challenge associated with performing a specific action. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite difficult to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a noticeable level of challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. Primarily found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it serves to communicate that an action requires considerable effort. While versatile, adjusting the phrasing to align with the formality of the setting can enhance clarity. Alternatives like "somewhat challenging to" or "moderately hard to" may be preferable in formal writing, while "not easy to" suits informal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat challenging to

Replaces "quite difficult" with "somewhat challenging", softening the intensity of the difficulty.

moderately hard to

Substitutes "quite difficult" with "moderately hard", providing a more straightforward expression of difficulty.

rather complicated to

Changes "difficult" to "complicated", emphasizing the complexity aspect of the challenge.

not easy to

Offers a more casual and understated way to express that something is difficult.

presents a challenge to

Transforms the phrase into a more formal structure, highlighting the challenging nature.

poses some difficulties to

Similar to the previous, this version is more formal and emphasizes the difficulties involved.

requires significant effort to

Shifts the focus to the effort needed, rather than directly stating the difficulty.

is a struggle to

Uses a more emotive term, "struggle", to convey the difficulty involved.

demands considerable skill to

Emphasizes the skill required, implying difficulty through the level of expertise needed.

is no simple matter to

Indirectly states the difficulty by indicating that it is not a simple task.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "quite difficult to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "somewhat challenging to", "moderately hard to", or "presents a challenge to".

Is "quite difficult to" appropriate for academic writing?

While "quite difficult to" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as slightly informal for some academic contexts. Evaluate the specific requirements of your field and consider more precise alternatives if needed.

What's the difference between "quite difficult to" and "very difficult to"?

"Quite difficult to" suggests a moderate level of difficulty, while "very difficult to" implies a higher degree of challenge. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the actual level of difficulty.

When should I use "quite difficult to" instead of "difficult to"?

Use "quite difficult to" when you want to emphasize the degree of difficulty is noticeable but not extreme. Simply using "difficult to" expresses that something is not easy, but doesn't specify the level of difficulty.