relatively difficult to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively difficult to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the difficulty of a task or concept to others, indicating that it is somewhat challenging but not the most difficult. Example: "The exam was relatively difficult to prepare for, especially with the limited study materials available."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's relatively difficult to get there.

The New York Times - Travel

It is relatively difficult to see it.

The Guardian

It is relatively difficult to be elicited.

Engineering in Agriculture, Environment and Food

It is still relatively difficult to create synthetic diamond.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's still relatively difficult to get in rural areas".

The New York Times

Second, his poetry is relatively difficult to find.

The New York Times - Books

Even then, it is relatively difficult to pick up.

The New Yorker

Hacktivism also relies on the internet being relatively difficult to censor and mostly anonymous.

Stanford University

Then, from there on, I think it still becomes relatively difficult to get proper financing.

The New York Times

In general, the diseases caused by bacteria are relatively difficult to control.

Britannica

This assumption is relatively difficult to meet in the practical applications.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively difficult to" when you want to convey that something is challenging but not impossible. It implies a moderate level of difficulty compared to other tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively difficult to" when something is truly easy. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively difficult to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an infinitive. It serves to qualify the degree of difficulty associated with a particular action or task, indicating it's not easy but not extremely hard, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively difficult to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe tasks or concepts that present a moderate level of challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is common in scientific, news, and academic contexts and strikes a neutral tone, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles. While there are many alternative phrases, such as "somewhat challenging to" or "fairly hard to", "relatively difficult to" offers a balanced and precise way to express a nuanced assessment of difficulty. Remember to avoid overstating the difficulty when using this phrase to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat challenging to

Indicates a moderate level of difficulty, similar to the original phrase.

fairly hard to

Emphasizes the level of difficulty using 'hard' instead of 'difficult'.

moderately tough to

Replaces 'difficult' with 'tough', suggesting resilience is needed.

reasonably problematic to

Highlights the issues or problems that arise from the difficulty.

slightly complicated to

Focuses on the complexity aspect of the difficulty.

not entirely straightforward to

Emphasizes the lack of directness or simplicity in the process.

a bit tricky to

Suggests a need for caution and cleverness to overcome the difficulty.

not a walk in the park to

An idiomatic way to express that something requires effort and isn't simple.

demands some effort to

Shifts the focus to the effort required, rather than the inherent difficulty.

requires careful handling to

Highlights the need for precision and attention to detail.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively difficult to" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively difficult to" to describe tasks or concepts that are more challenging than others, but not overwhelmingly so. For example, "This concept is "relatively difficult to" grasp without prior knowledge."

What are some alternatives to "relatively difficult to"?

Alternatives include "somewhat challenging to", "fairly hard to", or "moderately tough to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "relatively difficult to"?

Yes, "relatively difficult to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English. It's used to express that something is not easy, but also not extremely hard.

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

"Relatively difficult to" indicates a moderate level of difficulty compared to other things, while "very difficult to" implies a high degree of difficulty. The former suggests that it's manageable with effort, whereas the latter suggests it may be nearly impossible.