things are difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or circumstances that are challenging or hard to manage. Example: "In times of economic uncertainty, it's important to acknowledge that things are difficult for many families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Things are difficult.

Independent

Those things are difficult.

The New York Times

For David, things are difficult.

The Guardian - Books

Things are difficult, people are very nervous.

Independent

But in services, these things are difficult.

The Economist

Some things are difficult to explain logically.

Columbia University

These things are difficult to track.

The Guardian

"The beautiful Things are difficult," Stanford quoted.

The Guardian - Books

'Things are difficult now,' said Farooq.

The Guardian

It's fighting when things are difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

But some things are difficult to overlook.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things are difficult", be specific about the context to provide clarity. For example, instead of just saying "things are difficult", specify "economically, things are difficult for small businesses".

Common error

Avoid using "things are difficult" as a standalone statement without providing context. This can leave the reader wondering what specific challenges are being faced. Add details to make your message more impactful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are difficult" functions as a statement expressing the challenging nature of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it describing personal struggles, economic hardships, or general problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things are difficult" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for expressing hardship or challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used across various contexts. It appears most commonly in news and media, with neutral formality. When using this phrase, provide specific context for clarity. Alternatives like "times are tough" or "circumstances are challenging" can be used for variety. Avoid vagueness by specifying the area where difficulties exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a challenging situation

Focuses on the situation being a challenge, implying effort and problem-solving are required.

times are tough

Emphasizes the hardship of the current period, suggesting financial or emotional strain.

circumstances are challenging

Highlights the demanding nature of the existing circumstances.

it's a struggle

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in overcoming obstacles.

it's an uphill battle

Implies a long and arduous effort against significant resistance.

it's not easy

A more general statement indicating a lack of ease or simplicity.

we're facing challenges

Highlights that challenges are being actively confronted and managed.

the going gets tough

An idiomatic expression indicating increasing difficulty.

the situation is complex

Emphasizes the intricate and complicated nature of the circumstances.

we're up against it

An idiomatic expression suggesting facing considerable difficulties or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "things are difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "things are difficult" to express challenges or hardships in various situations. For instance, "things are difficult financially" or "things are difficult at work".

What are some alternatives to "things are difficult"?

Alternatives include "times are tough", "circumstances are challenging", or "it's a struggle", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "things are difficult"?

Yes, "things are difficult" is grammatically correct. The plural noun "things" correctly pairs with the plural form of the verb "to be", which is "are", followed by the adjective "difficult".

What's the difference between "things are difficult" and "it is difficult"?

"Things are difficult" refers to a general situation or circumstances, while "it is difficult" typically refers to a specific task or action. For example, "Things are difficult in the current economy" versus "It is difficult to find a job right now".