this can be difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can be difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a challenging situation or task that may pose difficulties for someone. Example: "Learning a new language can be difficult, especially if you are not immersed in the culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can be difficult for doctors.

The Economist

But this can be difficult.

The Guardian

But admitting this can be difficult.

The New York Times

But, with limited resources and an already busy workload, this can be difficult.

The Guardian

This can be difficult, because not everyone starts at an agreed standard.

The Guardian

This can be difficult with a controller, but more intuitive moving the 3DS around to aim.

The Guardian - Tech

This can be difficult in some cases; when uncertainty remains, we set the video aside.

The New York Times

For a mainstream subject teacher with limited (if any) experience of language teaching and awareness, this can be difficult.

The Guardian

Competency questions like this can be difficult as they rely on your ability to tell a story.

The Guardian

Regardless of whether they achieve their desired grades, this can be difficult for those who are emotionally vulnerable.

The Guardian

This can be difficult and is often one of the hardest things an employer has to deal with.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this can be difficult", be specific about what makes the situation challenging. Providing context helps the reader understand the potential obstacles and complexities.

Common error

Avoid using "this can be difficult" as a standalone statement without explaining why. Always provide context or examples to illustrate the challenges involved. For instance, instead of saying "negotiating contracts can be difficult", specify which aspects of contract negotiation pose difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can be difficult" functions as a qualifier, introducing a note of caution or realism. It highlights potential challenges associated with a task, situation, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms this, as the phrase commonly precedes an explanation of the difficulties involved, as seen in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this can be difficult" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge potential challenges and manage expectations. Ludwig AI’s analysis confirms it as grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While suitable for most situations, being specific about the difficulties involved and balancing the statement with potential solutions will enhance clarity and provide more value for the reader. Alternatives like "this can be challenging" or "this can be tough" can be used depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this can be challenging

Replaces "difficult" with a synonym that emphasizes the demanding nature of a situation.

this can be tough

Uses a more informal synonym for "difficult", suggesting a situation requiring resilience.

this can be problematic

Highlights that a situation may present problems or obstacles.

this can be complex

Indicates that a situation involves many interconnected parts and may be hard to understand.

this can be tricky

Suggests a situation requiring careful handling to avoid mistakes.

this can be arduous

Highlights the effort and stamina required in a situation.

this can be troublesome

Implies that a situation may cause worry or difficulty.

this can prove difficult

Emphasizes the potential for a situation to become challenging over time.

this can be laborious

Highlights the effort and time required in a situation.

this can be awkward

Indicates that a situation may cause discomfort or embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this can be difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "this can be challenging", "this can be tough", or "this can be problematic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "this can be difficult" imply?

The phrase "this can be difficult" implies that a certain task, situation, or process may present obstacles, require extra effort, or be hard to accomplish successfully. It sets the expectation that challenges may arise.

Is "this can be difficult" too negative for professional communication?

While "this can be difficult" acknowledges a challenge, it isn't inherently negative. However, in professional settings, it's best to balance it with solutions or proactive strategies. For example, "Implementing this new system can be difficult, but with proper training, we can overcome these hurdles."

When is it appropriate to use "this can be difficult" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "this can be difficult" when you want to acknowledge potential challenges or obstacles associated with a particular task, situation, or process. It's particularly useful when setting expectations or preparing someone for a potentially demanding situation.