somewhat difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or situation that is moderately challenging or not easy to accomplish. Example: "The exam was somewhat difficult, but I managed to answer most of the questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it was somewhat difficult.

The New York Times - Magazine

Defining "moral" is somewhat difficult.

The New Yorker

This can make international exchange somewhat difficult.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Naturally, this makes flying somewhat difficult.

The Washington Post

This made the atmosphere somewhat difficult".

The New York Times - Sports

However, production of a DCC is somewhat difficult.

Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy

The proper designation of radiation injuries is somewhat difficult.

Yale University

The origins of Jainism are somewhat difficult to trace.

Yale University

Getting back to that grind is somewhat difficult.

The Guardian

To an outsider, the conversation was somewhat difficult to penetrate.

The New Yorker

The truth of this is somewhat difficult to establish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, quantify the degree of difficulty further. For example, instead of just saying "somewhat difficult", specify what makes it so, such as "somewhat difficult due to time constraints".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty. Using stronger terms when "somewhat difficult" is more accurate can mislead your audience or create unnecessary alarm. Ensure your language reflects the actual level of challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat difficult" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a moderate level of challenge or complexity. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is used to qualify the degree of difficulty without being overly emphatic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat difficult" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe a moderate level of challenge or complexity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse fields such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "moderately challenging" or "a bit demanding" exist, "somewhat difficult" maintains a balance between informality and precision. Remember to quantify the difficulty for greater clarity and avoid exaggeration. This phrase serves as a balanced descriptor, fitting various contexts without overstating the level of challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately challenging

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "somewhat" with "moderately", indicating a similar level of intensity.

a bit demanding

Uses "demanding" instead of "difficult" and "a bit" for "somewhat", softening the expression.

slightly complex

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex" and "somewhat" with "slightly", focusing on intricacy rather than hardship.

reasonably problematic

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic" and "somewhat" with "reasonably", suggesting a moderate level of issues.

kind of tough

Uses the more informal "tough" for "difficult" and "kind of" for "somewhat", making the phrase more casual.

fairly arduous

Substitutes "difficult" with "arduous" and "somewhat" with "fairly", indicating a laborious quality.

relatively intricate

Replaces "difficult" with "intricate" and "somewhat" with "relatively", emphasizing complexity from a comparative perspective.

a little tricky

Uses "tricky" instead of "difficult" and "a little" for "somewhat", conveying a sense of slight complication.

noticeably inconvenient

Substitutes "difficult" with "inconvenient" and "somewhat" with "noticeably", focusing on the aspect of causing trouble.

appreciably challenging

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "somewhat" with "appreciably", indicating a clearly noticeable degree of challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat difficult" to describe tasks or situations that are moderately challenging, for example, "The assignment was "somewhat difficult", but I managed to complete it".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat difficult"?

Alternatives include "moderately challenging", "a bit demanding", or "slightly complex", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "somewhat difficult" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat difficult" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly academic, it's neutral enough for professional or academic contexts. However, consider alternatives for greater precision if needed.

What's the difference between "somewhat difficult" and "very difficult"?

"Somewhat difficult" implies a moderate level of challenge, while "very difficult" indicates a significantly higher degree of challenge. Use "somewhat" when the task is manageable with effort, and "very" when it presents a major obstacle.