this is difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is challenging or hard to accomplish. Example: "I must admit, this is difficult to understand without further explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is difficult to do.

Forbes

This is difficult everywhere.

The Economist

"But this is difficult".

The New York Times

This is difficult but doable.

The New York Times

This is difficult to deny.

The Economist

This is difficult for him".

The New Yorker

This is difficult to imagine.

The New York Times - Science

This is difficult stuff.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is difficult, but not impossible.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"There is a feeling [that this is] difficult news.

The Guardian

This is difficult to design.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is difficult", consider the specific reason for the difficulty and adjust your language accordingly. For instance, "this is challenging" might be suitable when referring to a stimulating task, while "this is complex" could be more appropriate when discussing a problem with many interconnected parts.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "this is difficult" without providing context or elaborating on the nature of the difficulty. Instead, specify why something is difficult – is it due to complexity, lack of resources, emotional strain, or technical challenges? Providing this additional information enhances clarity and adds depth to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is difficult" functions as a statement expressing the degree of effort, skill, or ability required to achieve something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. Examples across news, science and media confirm its role in expressing challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is difficult" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for conveying the presence of challenges or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, its neutral register allows for broad applicability across various communication styles. When employing this phrase, consider providing specific context to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "this is challenging" or "this is complex" can be used to fine-tune the message based on the nature of the difficulty. Be mindful of overusing the phrase without providing specific details about the cause of the difficulty to avoid ambiguity and enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is challenging

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", indicating a stimulating but demanding task. This alternative maintains a similar level of formality.

this is tough

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", suggesting resilience is needed to overcome the obstacle. It's slightly less formal.

this is no easy task

Emphasizes the effort required, framing it as a task that lacks ease. It's a more descriptive way to convey difficulty.

this is problematic

Highlights that the situation presents problems or obstacles, shifting the focus to the resulting issues.

this is demanding

Focuses on the high requirements and effort needed, emphasizing the strain it puts on resources or abilities.

this is complex

Indicates intricacy and complication, suggesting that understanding or solving it requires significant analysis.

this is intricate

Highlights the detailed and complicated nature, implying careful handling is necessary. It is often used in more formal or technical contexts.

this is arduous

Replaces "difficult" with "arduous", suggesting a task that is strenuous and requires great effort over a long period.

this is a struggle

Highlights the conflict and effort involved, emphasizing the feeling of resistance or opposition to progress.

this is not straightforward

Indicates a lack of directness and simplicity, implying there are complications or hidden obstacles. The tone is more neutral and factual.

FAQs

How can I use "this is difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "this is difficult" to express that something is challenging or hard to accomplish. For example, "I must admit, "this is difficult" to understand without further explanation".

What are some alternatives to saying "this is difficult"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "this is challenging", "this is tough", or "this is complex".

Is it grammatically correct to say "this is difficult"?

Yes, ""this is difficult"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English.

What's the difference between "this is difficult" and "this is a challenge"?

While both express that something is not easy, ""this is difficult"" emphasizes the hardship or complexity involved, while "this is a challenge" often implies an opportunity for growth or overcoming an obstacle.