they found it difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they found it difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's experience or perception of a challenging situation or task. Example: "Despite their best efforts, they found it difficult to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They found it difficult to accept this".

The New York Times

Relegated to the margins of life, they found it difficult to rewrite themselves as central characters.

The New Yorker

But, staff members said, they found it difficult to make inroads with black audiences.

The New York Times

Many young people said they found it difficult to ask for help.

The Guardian

"A lot of them said they found it difficult coming in the front.

The Guardian

Their chronological understanding was often underdeveloped and so they found it difficult to link developments together".

The Guardian

As the game wore on they found it difficult to get out of their own half.

The Guardian - Sport

"They found it difficult working with characters they didn't own," says Park.

The Guardian

Both sides were so angry that they found it difficult to talk directly to each other.

The New York Times

More than a third of the 1,300 workers surveyed said they found it difficult.

The Guardian - Business

They found it difficult to believe that he had abandoned the war for the presumed delights of the South Seas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they found it difficult", ensure the context clearly specifies who "they" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty. Overstating the challenge can diminish the credibility of your statement. Ensure the degree of difficulty aligns with the context you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they found it difficult" serves as a declarative statement expressing that a group or individuals encountered challenges or hardship. Ludwig's examples reveal its common use in conveying experiences of struggle across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they found it difficult" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a group or individuals experienced challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and broad applicability, noting its frequent appearance in both scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who "they" refers to and avoid exaggerating the degree of difficulty. Alternatives such as "they struggled with it" or "it was challenging for them" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they struggled with it

Emphasizes ongoing effort against resistance, suggesting a sustained period of difficulty.

they had a hard time

Informal expression indicating a period marked by difficulty or unpleasantness.

it was challenging for them

Formal and direct, highlighting the challenging nature of a task or situation.

they experienced difficulties

More formal, emphasizing the presence of multiple or significant obstacles.

they faced obstacles

Highlights the confrontation with specific impediments.

they had trouble

Implies a simpler, possibly less severe, form of difficulty.

they couldn't manage

Suggests an inability to cope or succeed in a particular situation.

they were unable to

Directly states a lack of capability or opportunity.

they faltered

Implies a temporary loss of momentum or confidence due to difficulty.

they were tested

Suggests an experience that challenged their abilities or resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "they found it difficult" in a sentence?

Use "they found it difficult" to describe a situation where a group experienced challenges or struggled with something. For example, "Despite their preparation, "they found it difficult" to adapt to the new environment."

What are some alternatives to "they found it difficult"?

Alternatives include "they struggled with it", "they had a hard time", or "it was challenging for them", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they found it difficult"?

Yes, "they found it difficult" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "they found it difficult" and "they had difficulty"?

While both convey a sense of struggle, "they found it difficult" is more conversational, while "they had difficulty" is slightly more formal. The choice depends on the tone and register of your writing.