very difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"very difficult" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that poses a great challenge or is extremely hard. For example: "Climbing Mount Everest is a very difficult task that requires a lot of skill, training, and preparation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very difficult.

Forbes

Length is very difficult.

The New Yorker

It's all very difficult".

The New York Times - Sports

Things are very difficult".

Independent

"Things were very difficult.

Independent

It's very difficult music".

The New York Times

So it's very difficult.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's very, very difficult.

The New York Times

He was very difficult.

The New York Times

Very difficult to say.

The New Yorker

"It was very difficult".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very difficult" to clearly and directly express the high degree of challenge associated with a task, situation, or concept. Tailor it to the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the nature and intensity of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very" to intensify adjectives; instead, choose more descriptive and specific words that convey the degree of difficulty more precisely. Consider alternatives like "challenging", "arduous", or "complex" to provide a richer and more nuanced description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very difficult" functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun or pronoun, indicating a high degree of challenge or complexity. As shown by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears in a wide array of sources, showcasing its versality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very difficult" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote a high level of challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academic domains. While effective, it's advisable to consider more descriptive alternatives to avoid over-reliance on "very" and enhance the precision of your writing. Remember to tailor your word choice to accurately reflect the specific nature of the difficulty you are describing, ensuring clarity and impact in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely challenging

Emphasizes the stimulating and demanding nature of the challenge.

particularly hard

Highlights the level of effort required.

exceptionally tough

Focuses on the resilience and strength needed to overcome the difficulty.

remarkably complex

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the subject.

incredibly demanding

Stresses the high expectations and requirements involved.

quite a struggle

Indicates a prolonged and arduous effort.

seriously problematic

Highlights the troubles and issues caused by the difficulty.

not a walk in the park

An idiomatic expression conveying that something is not easy.

no easy task

Directly states that the undertaking requires significant effort.

a Herculean effort

Implies an undertaking requiring immense strength, courage, or effort, similar to the tasks of Hercules.

FAQs

How can I use "very difficult" in a sentence?

Use "very difficult" to describe tasks, situations, or concepts that present a significant challenge. For example, "The exam was "very difficult", requiring extensive preparation" or "Navigating the legal system proved to be "very difficult" without professional guidance".

What are some alternatives to "very difficult"?

Alternatives include "extremely challenging", "particularly hard", "exceptionally tough", and "remarkably complex". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "very difficult"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Very" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "difficult", forming a common and acceptable phrase in English.

When is it better to use a more specific adjective instead of "very difficult"?

While "very difficult" is acceptable, using a more specific adjective often provides a clearer and more vivid description. For instance, instead of saying a task is "very difficult", you could say it is "arduous", "complex", or "taxing", depending on the nature of the difficulty.