this was difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a particular task, situation, or experience posed a challenge or was hard to manage. Example: "After completing the marathon, I reflected on my training and realized that this was difficult, but worth every moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All this was difficult.

The Economist

This was difficult.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But this was difficult to tease out.

The New Yorker

At the beginning this was difficult because of communication problems.

Columbia University

This was difficult to implement because of the hopper complexity.

Cornell University

During the Stephen marriage this was difficult enough.

The Guardian - Books

This was difficult, as the weather was rough.

The New York Times - Travel

"Only natural!" Frankly, this was difficult to believe.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This was difficult because Raonic, we played a big match.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is difficult everywhere.

The Economist

"But this is difficult".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "this was difficult" to clearly and directly communicate that a specific task, situation, or experience presented a challenge. This phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts and is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "this was difficult" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was difficult" primarily functions as a statement expressing the challenging nature of a past event or situation. It asserts that something presented obstacles, demanding effort or skill to overcome. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is a common and acceptable way to convey this idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was difficult" serves as a clear and widely accepted way to describe a past challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While simple, it effectively communicates that something was not easy and required effort or skill to overcome. Remember to vary your language and use alternatives such as "this proved challenging" to maintain engagement and avoid repetition. Overall, it is a valuable phrase in any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this proved challenging

Focuses on the result or outcome of something being difficult.

this was no easy task

Emphasizes the labor and effort required.

this presented difficulties

Highlights the presence of multiple obstacles.

this was quite a challenge

Adds a tone of understatement or mild surprise.

this was a tough situation

Shifts the focus to the overall circumstances rather than a specific task.

this required considerable effort

Highlights the amount of work that was necessary.

this involved complications

Points out the complex nature and intertwined problems.

this wasn't straightforward

Indicates that the process lacked simplicity and had unexpected turns.

this demanded resilience

Stresses the need for perseverance and strength in facing adversity.

this tested my limits

Suggests a personal experience of pushing boundaries.

FAQs

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

You can use "this was difficult" to describe a task, situation, or experience that presented challenges. For example, "Implementing the new software system was difficult, but ultimately improved efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "this was difficult"?

Alternatives include "this proved challenging", "this was no easy task", or "this presented difficulties" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "this was difficult" is grammatically correct. "This" is a demonstrative pronoun, "was" is a past tense linking verb, and "difficult" is an adjective.

What is the difference between "this was difficult" and "this is difficult"?

"This was difficult" refers to a past experience or situation that has already occurred. "This is difficult" refers to a current or ongoing situation that is presently challenging.