simply difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is straightforward in its difficulty, implying that the challenge is clear and not complicated. Example: "The math problem was simply difficult, requiring a solid understanding of the concepts involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's simply difficult to believe in Marina's obsessive feelings for him.

The New York Times - Books

You are not lazy, you are not spoiled or incompetent, you are not simply difficult.

The Guardian

"Burleske," an early piece, is not simply difficult, but absurdly difficult.

The New York Times - Arts

It could also help people to access groups, for example gay or transexual communities, in places where there is repression or it is simply difficult to meet others".

Independent

If they're simply difficult, grumpy or selfish in the way male characters are, they provoke outrage and astonishment in the way male characters never do (hello, Lena Dunham).

The Guardian - Opinion

He may have wanted to criticise religion, "but it was simply difficult for him to formulate this narrative – the story eluded him, and it remained unfinished".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

They act as if the PRC is simply being difficult because it wants to be difficult, and not to defend important, even vital interests.

Huffington Post

A distant father with more than a whiff of sadism about him, Lenny Savage was simply a difficult middle-aged man who turned into a difficult old man.

The Guardian - Film

That right-wing comedy is simply more difficult to pull off in the same way "it's hard to write a genuinely left-wing action film".

Independent

The sums are simply too difficult.

The Economist

Bullying is simply a difficult topic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "simply difficult" with adverbs of degree (e.g., "simply very difficult," "simply quite difficult") to enhance the intensity of the challenge and add descriptive nuance to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "simply difficult" when the difficulty arises from a web of interconnected issues or intricate complexities. In such cases, using "complex" or "complicated" would be more accurate and descriptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply difficult" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the nature of a challenge or task. As Ludwig's AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used to characterize situations where the difficulty is straightforward.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simply difficult" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that characterizes something as challenging in a straightforward manner. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, supported by examples from reputable sources, like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its use is particularly common in News & Media and Science, as seen by the source analysis. While alternatives like "plainly challenging" or "just tough" exist, "simply difficult" effectively conveys that the difficulty stems from the task itself, devoid of added complexities. To ensure accuracy and clarity, avoid using this phrase when addressing complicated, multifaceted issues, as this may misrepresent the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plainly challenging

Emphasizes the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the challenge.

uncomplicatedly hard

Highlights that the difficulty isn't due to complexity but inherent demanding nature.

merely arduous

Focuses on the demanding and laborious aspect of something, while maintaining simplicity.

just tough

Uses more informal language to express the basic difficulty.

patently demanding

Highlights the obvious and evident nature of something requiring effort.

basically problematic

Indicates a fundamental issue or challenge that isn't necessarily complex.

clearly onerous

Stresses the burdensome nature of the task in a clear and evident way.

unquestionably taxing

Highlights the demanding nature of something, leaving no doubt.

inherently troublesome

Focuses on the innate characteristic of being problematic.

fundamentally complex

Highlights a complex and fundamental problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "simply difficult" to describe tasks or situations that are challenging in a straightforward way. For example: "The exam was "simply difficult", requiring thorough preparation".

What are some alternatives to saying "simply difficult"?

Alternatives include "plainly challenging", "just tough", or "basically problematic", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "simply difficult", or should I use a different phrasing?

Saying "simply difficult" is correct. It's used to describe a difficulty that is straightforward and not overly complicated. However, you can also use alternatives like "inherently troublesome" to add variety to your writing.

What does it mean when something is described as "simply difficult"?

When something is described as "simply difficult", it means that the challenge it presents is direct and uncomplicated. It doesn't involve complex or intricate problems, but rather requires straightforward effort and skill.