that is very difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is very difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something poses a significant challenge or is hard to accomplish. Example: "The math problem you gave me is quite complex; in fact, that is very difficult for me to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hi Wendy, I am sorry for your loss, that is very difficult.

Harvard University

It will mean an embrace of a future orientation that is very difficult to imagine.

Yale University

The proposed formulation is a bilevel optimization problem that is very difficult to solve.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

Complexity and autonomy combine to a problem that is very difficult to analyze by traditional means.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

"It's a complex issue that is very difficult to explain after so many years".

The Guardian

It is a complex link that is very difficult to break".

The New Yorker

There is a massive momentum that is very difficult to break.

The Guardian

"Sprint's trying to pull off something that is very difficult," Mr. Moffett said.

The New York Times - Tech

That, in turn, allows joint care planning, something that is very difficult today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally they chose the Ratchaburi Provincial Hospital, a sprawling complex that is very difficult to secure.

The New York Times

They do so, however, in such a way that is very difficult to trace these supplies back to the government.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is very difficult" when you want to directly and clearly express the degree of challenge associated with a task, situation, or concept. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing versatility in communication.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "that is very difficult" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging", "complex", or more specific terms that reflect the nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is very difficult" functions as a descriptive statement, typically serving as a comment or evaluation of a situation, task, or concept. It indicates a high level of challenge or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

30%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is very difficult" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations, tasks, or concepts that present a high degree of challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It functions primarily to express an opinion on the level of difficulty, serving to inform or warn about potential struggles. While suitable for various contexts, it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic settings. When using the phrase, it's important to be mindful of potential overuse and to consider synonyms to maintain variety in writing. Common errors include overuse. Remember to use alternative expressions such as "that's quite challenging".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's quite challenging

Emphasizes the level of challenge involved. Differs by using "challenging" instead of "difficult".

that's extremely hard

Highlights the intensity of the difficulty. It replaces "very difficult" with "extremely hard".

that's a tough proposition

Presents the difficulty as a problem or task. Uses "tough proposition" instead of "very difficult".

that poses a significant challenge

Formal way of saying something is very difficult. Replaces the original phrase with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

that's no easy task

Highlights the absence of ease in the given situation. Indirectly conveys difficulty.

that's a herculean effort

Emphasizes the immense effort required. "Herculean effort" implies extreme difficulty.

that's virtually impossible

Suggests near impossibility, an extreme form of difficulty. Conveys a higher degree of improbability.

that's a steep climb

Implies a difficult path or process. Uses a metaphorical expression for difficulty.

that's a tall order

Means a task is difficult to achieve. An idiomatic expression.

that's an uphill battle

Highlights the struggle and resistance involved. It's a metaphorical expression for a difficult task.

FAQs

How can I use "that is very difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "that is very difficult" to describe tasks, concepts, or situations that present a significant challenge. For instance, "Solving this equation is very difficult" or "Understanding his perspective is very difficult".

What are some alternatives to "that is very difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "that's quite challenging", "that's extremely hard", or "that's a tough proposition" depending on the context.

Is "that is very difficult" formal or informal?

"That is very difficult" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider alternatives like "that poses a significant challenge".

What makes something "that is very difficult" different from something "impossible"?

Something "that is very difficult" is hard to achieve but still potentially possible, while something "impossible" is considered unachievable. The former implies a high degree of challenge, whereas the latter suggests an absolute barrier.