substantially difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or situation that is significantly challenging or hard to accomplish. Example: "The project proved to be substantially difficult, requiring more time and resources than initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Restrictive immigration policies mean that the conditions to enter host countries are made substantially difficult.

IZA Journal of Migration

In this case, multidimensionality and size of the resulted data render more traditional methods of data analysis substantially difficult.

Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging

"Nobody wanted this to be a distraction from the more substantially difficult issues we have with North Korea," he said.

Huffington Post

For some, this confidence came with relative ease yet, for most, the process was substantially difficult.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"If we try to find a student to do work part time in our administrative offices it's substantially more difficult than five years ago," Mr. Serpe said.

The New York Times

Answering even the simplest of questions about the geography of the green belt is therefore substantially more difficult than it ought to be.

The Guardian

But if the weather forecast proves accurate, the golf course should firm up and become substantially more difficult with each passing day.

The New York Times - Sports

All of these sources of credit would have been substantially more difficult – and in many cases impossible – to access if our financial system had been allowed to collapse.

The New York Times

But Mr. Greenfield stuck with his sell recommendation for the company's stock, saying he believed the next 12 to 18 months would be "substantially more difficult for Disney than investors are currently anticipating".

The New York Times

Mr. Levy will have to continue to lobby the state for the money to improve science instruction -- a task that has been made substantially more difficult by a city budget that cuts school aid.

The New York Times

Finally, in the complex Wal-Mart case, the conservative majority, going beyond the particular issues in that case, made it substantially more difficult for class-action suits in all manner of cases to move forward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a challenge, use "substantially difficult" to emphasize that the difficulty is significant and not merely a minor inconvenience. For example, "Navigating the legal landscape proved to be substantially difficult."

Common error

Avoid using "substantially difficult" when the situation is only moderately challenging. Using it inappropriately can diminish the impact of the phrase when describing truly significant challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially difficult" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant degree of challenge or complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantially difficult" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile expression used to convey a notable degree of challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig, it finds its place across varied domains, from science to news and media, adding emphasis where ordinary difficulty falls short. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in formal, neutral, and even professional registers. When employing this phrase, ensure that the level of difficulty truly warrants the "substantial" qualifier to maintain accuracy and impact. Alternatives such as "remarkably challenging" or "considerably arduous" may offer subtle shifts in tone or emphasis, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably challenging

This alternative emphasizes the notable degree of challenge.

considerably arduous

This alternative highlights the demanding and strenuous nature of the difficulty.

significantly problematic

This alternative focuses on the troublesome aspect of the difficulty.

exceptionally complex

This alternative underlines the intricate and complicated nature of the situation.

notably troublesome

This alternative stresses the noticeable and inconvenient aspect of the difficulty.

decidedly demanding

This alternative points out the exacting and taxing nature of the task.

particularly intricate

This alternative accentuates the detailed and elaborate nature of the difficulty.

strikingly cumbersome

This alternative emphasizes the awkward and burdensome nature of the process.

distinctly trying

This alternative highlights the testing and stressful aspect of the difficulty.

markedly intricate

Emphasizes the noticeably complex nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantially difficult" to describe a task or situation that presents a significant challenge. For example, "The negotiations proved to be "substantially difficult" due to conflicting interests."

What are some alternatives to "substantially difficult"?

Alternatives include "remarkably challenging", "considerably arduous", or "significantly problematic" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "substantially difficult" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a serious level of challenge and is suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What makes something "substantially difficult" as opposed to simply "difficult"?

"Substantially difficult" implies that the difficulty is significant and considerable, requiring more effort and resources than a situation that is merely "difficult".