sense of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the feeling of being challenged or overwhelmed by a task or activity. For example, "I had a sense of difficulty when my professor asked me to explain the complex concept during the lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But it has a certain sense of difficulty to it.

The New York Times - Sports

"Agon" here recaptures its old sense of difficulty, risk, experimentation.

The New York Times - Arts

It communicates a sense of difficulty and frustration, and also the kind of elation that comes from being absorbed in a heroic communal task.

The New York Times

If in The February Speech he can communicate that struggle, that sense of difficulty, which is shared by millions, then he will be a less polished campaigner, but a most persuasive one.

The New York Times

What links his work to the other movies I'm discussing here is that all-important sense of difficulty, of an obdurate and complicated reality submitting only partially to the filmmaker's demystifying will.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Such effects include difficulties, intrusive imagery, heightened sense of vulnerability, difficulty trusting others, and emotional numbing".

BMC Psychiatry

That "somehow," with its implied sense of the difficulty of his ambitions, was key to Abbey's worldview.

The New York Times - Books

Timidity, irony, a sense of the difficulty of the world lie on Boubat's and Doisneau's children.

The New Yorker

One year on, the mood is more sombre and mature, with a real sense of the difficulty of the endeavour and the stakes involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other games, like Tetris, are built on a sense of mounting difficulty; they conjure it by limiting you to a certain quantity of space, which you must constantly clear of debris.

The New Yorker

You don't come away from his writing with any easy answers, but a fresh sense of the difficulty of knowing anything and the sheer massiveness of the world we inhabit.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about challenges, use "sense of difficulty" to convey a subjective feeling of being overwhelmed, rather than simply stating the objective difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of difficulty" when describing something that is demonstrably difficult according to objective metrics. Use it to express a personal or perceived challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a subjective perception or awareness of challenges. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of difficulty" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the subjective feeling of being challenged or overwhelmed by a task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. It's important to use "sense of difficulty" to convey a personal perception of challenge, as opposed to an objective statement of difficulty. Related phrases include "feeling of challenge" and "perception of complexity", each offering a slightly different nuance. Overall, "sense of difficulty" is a valuable expression for conveying a subjective experience of challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of challenge

Focuses on the positive aspect of overcoming obstacles, whereas "sense of difficulty" highlights the struggle.

perception of complexity

Emphasizes the intricate nature of something rather than the feeling of struggle it evokes.

awareness of hardship

Highlights the recognition of challenging circumstances or suffering.

realization of the task's demanding nature

More formal and specific, emphasizing the recognition of the effort required.

apprehension about the challenge

Focuses on the anticipation and worry associated with facing a difficult situation.

understanding the complexities

Emphasizes comprehension of intricate elements, rather than the emotional response to them.

recognition of adversity

Focuses on the acknowledgment of unfavorable conditions or misfortune.

acknowledgment of the struggle

Emphasizes recognizing an effort or fight to achieve something despite obstacles.

feeling of arduousness

This describes a task characterized by great effort and labor.

inkling of the effort required

Focuses on a vague notion or hint regarding the necessary exertion.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of difficulty" to describe a feeling of challenge or being overwhelmed by a task. For example, "I experienced a "sense of difficulty" when trying to solve the complex math problem."

What are some alternatives to "sense of difficulty"?

Alternatives include "feeling of challenge", "perception of complexity", or "awareness of hardship", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "sense of difficulty" or "feeling of difficulty"?

"Sense of difficulty" is generally preferred as it implies a more reasoned or perceived awareness, while "feeling of difficulty" suggests a purely emotional response. Both are acceptable but have slightly different connotations.

Can "sense of difficulty" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "sense of difficulty" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the specific context and intended meaning rather than the formality of the writing.