to find something difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'to find something difficult' is correct and is usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation when someone is having trouble or difficulty achieving a goal or task. For example, "It was difficult to find a good solution to my problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For $1 million, "it was difficult to find something for a couple that lives in a 2,500-square-foot 2,500-square-foot 2,500-square-foot

The New York Times

Is it difficult to find something to write about knowing it is going to be read by a large audience?

The New York Times

"Meanwhile, in the arts," he said, "it's so difficult to find something that stands out and proposes something new anymore".

The New York Times

When so much has been written, is it difficult to find something new to say about Mozart — or Schubert or Dylan?

The New Yorker

"If this company is the only company there in your industry and the job doesn't work out, it may be difficult to find something else," Ms. Ranieri notes.

The New York Times

Sadly, for most wine drinkers, the roads to the very best addresses with their haunting perfumes and bewitching textures, exact a prohibitive toll – and it's difficult to find something decent under £20, it's all-but-impossible below £10.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's difficult to find something that really truly motivates us to be compassionate for those we see as the other". But a photo of the dead child evoked a deep empathy that crossed borders.

The Washington Post

Now they join forces on Shakespeare's most problematic comedy about which, given the number of recent updated versions, it may be difficult to find something new to say.

The Guardian

Cindy: The reason that we knew it would be a good rental property is that we had been renting over here for many years, and it's difficult to find something this large.

The New York Times - Travel

"For a lot of people that have bigger breasts, it's difficult to find something that fits your chest, is slender enough for your shoulders and then doesn't pull too much on our hips," said Crystal Gonzalez-Alé Gonzalez-Alés and life parther of Ivette Gonzalez-Alé, the creative director of Marimacho.

The New York Times

And yet, though content is abundant, never has it been more difficult to find something worth watching.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to find something difficult", clearly specify what is causing the difficulty. Providing context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example: "Many students find quantum physics difficult to grasp".

Common error

Avoid using "to find something difficult" without specifying the reason for the difficulty. Saying "I find this difficult" can be vague. Instead, clarify the specific aspect that is challenging, like "I find the theoretical calculations difficult to apply in practice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to find something difficult" functions as a verbal phrase that expresses a subjective assessment of the difficulty associated with a particular task, concept, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to find something difficult" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express encountering challenges or struggles with a task or subject. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid and usable phrase. Although examples are limited, it appears versatile across different contexts. While it is most commonly used in neutral settings, more formal alternatives can be considered for academic or professional writing to better highlight the reason of the difficulty. While the phrase is understood, remember that clarifying the specific cause of the difficulty is important to make your message clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to have trouble with something

Suggests minor difficulties or inconveniences.

to have difficulty with something

Directly indicates the presence of problems or challenges.

to have a hard time with something

Suggests a challenging or unpleasant experience.

to struggle with something

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty experienced when dealing with something.

to face challenges in something

Focuses on the obstacles encountered in a particular situation.

to be challenged by something

Highlights the demanding nature of a task or situation.

to encounter obstacles in something

Emphasizes the presence of impediments or barriers.

to grapple with something

Implies a more intense struggle or effort to overcome a challenge.

to find something challenging

Highlights the stimulating or demanding nature of a task.

to labor over something

Emphasizes the prolonged and arduous effort required.

FAQs

How can I use "to find something difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "to find something difficult" to express that you experience challenges with a particular task or subject. For example, "I find it difficult to concentrate when there is noise".

What are some alternatives to "to find something difficult"?

You can use alternatives such as "to struggle with something", "to have difficulty with something", or "to have a hard time with something" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "to find something difficult" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives that specify the nature of the difficulty. Instead of "to find something difficult", you could say "to encounter challenges" or "to face obstacles".

What's the difference between "to find something difficult" and "to find something challenging"?

"To find something difficult" implies a struggle or impediment, whereas "to find something challenging" suggests that the task is stimulating and requires effort, but is ultimately rewarding.