trying to be difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to be difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is deliberately making a situation or task harder than it needs to be. For example, "When I asked for directions, the shopkeeper seemed to be trying to be difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I'm not trying to be difficult!" he insists.

The Guardian

Bomben, De Vecchi and Leichhardt Football Club are not trying to be difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

CHARLIE KAUFMAN, the director of "Synecdoche, New York," is not trying to be difficult.

The New York Times

"I think it's very important to remember that these people are not trying to be difficult on purpose," Ms. Vinokur continued.

The New York Times

It was the 1970s, and during a history lesson I put my hand up and asked: "Sir, were there people in America before Christopher Columbus?" I wasn't trying to be difficult, just trying to engage with some complicated questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be difficult, I'm just really rubbish at these good/bad, best/worst questions.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Which may explain why, though he tries to be difficult, he's so hard to dislike.

The New York Times - Books

"It would be a bit disrespectful if that is the case, but we've just got to focus on ourselves and go there and try to be difficult," said the Motherwell manager.

BBC

"I'm not willfully trying to be obscure or difficult," Ms. Williams said.

The New York Times - Books

We're not just trying to be mean and difficult for the defendants".

The New York Times

She was in the prime of life and had bags of energy, and it was difficult trying to be positive, while at the same time being realistic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "trying to be difficult", ensure the context clearly indicates intentionality. Avoid using it when unintentional challenges or misunderstandings are the primary cause of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone is "trying to be difficult" without sufficient evidence. Consider the possibility of miscommunication, lack of understanding, or external factors contributing to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to be difficult" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize someone's behavior or attitude. It suggests a deliberate effort to create problems or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying to be difficult" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes someone who appears to be intentionally causing problems or creating obstacles. Although typically neutral in register, it carries a slightly negative connotation. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, the expression appears frequently in "news and media". When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates intentionality, avoiding assumptions based on unintentional misunderstandings. Alternative expressions such as "being deliberately obstructive", "intentionally causing problems", or "being intentionally uncooperative" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being deliberately obstructive

Focuses on the intention to obstruct progress or cooperation.

acting recalcitrantly

Highlights a stubborn refusal to obey or comply.

intentionally causing problems

Emphasizes the deliberate creation of difficulties.

being intentionally uncooperative

Underscores a lack of willingness to work together.

making things unnecessarily hard

Points out the act of complicating matters without need.

obstructing progress on purpose

Highlights the intentional hindrance of advancement.

acting in a contrary manner

Indicates behavior that opposes or contradicts expectations.

being deliberately awkward

Focuses on intentionally creating uncomfortable or difficult social situations.

purposely complicating matters

Highlights the intention to make things more complex.

being willfully unhelpful

Emphasizes a deliberate refusal to provide assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "trying to be difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "trying to be difficult" to describe someone who seems to be intentionally creating problems or obstacles. For instance, "The customer was "trying to be difficult" by demanding a refund without a receipt."

What's the difference between "trying to be difficult" and "being difficult"?

"Trying to be difficult" implies an intention or effort to cause problems, while "being difficult" simply describes someone who is causing problems, regardless of intent. The phrase "trying to be difficult" suggests a more deliberate action.

Are there synonyms for "trying to be difficult" that I can use?

Yes, alternatives include "being deliberately obstructive", "intentionally causing problems", or "being intentionally uncooperative". Choose the synonym that best fits the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "trying to be difficult" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, "trying to be difficult" can sound accusatory. In a formal setting, consider using more neutral language, such as "presenting challenges" or "not being fully cooperative", unless you are directly addressing the behaviour and need to be clear about its intent.