very difficult for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very difficult for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that poses a significant challenge for someone or something. Example: "The exam was very difficult for the students, leading to a lot of stress and anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's very difficult for me".

The New York Times

But it is very difficult for me.

The New Yorker

"It has been very difficult for everyone.

Independent

"But it is very difficult for people".

The New York Times

It is very difficult for everyone.

Independent

It's very, very difficult for us".

The New York Times - Arts

"This is very difficult for people.

The New Yorker

"He makes like very difficult for bowlers.

The New York Times - Sports

It was very difficult for me.

The New York Times

It's very difficult for Sky.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's very difficult for everybody.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "very difficult for", ensure that the subject experiencing the difficulty is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "very difficult for" without specifying who or what is experiencing the difficulty. Vague statements can weaken your argument. Instead of saying "It's very difficult for everyone", be specific: "It's "very difficult for working mothers" to balance career and family."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very difficult for" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of challenge or complexity experienced by the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very difficult for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to express that something presents a significant challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal communications. When using the phrase, be specific about who or what is experiencing the difficulty to enhance clarity. Remember that while "difficult for" indicates a challenge, "very difficult for" emphasizes a greater level of hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely challenging for

Emphasizes a higher degree of difficulty or demanding nature than the original phrase.

particularly hard for

Highlights that the difficulty is especially significant for a specific subject.

especially tough for

Conveys a sense of hardship or resilience required to overcome the difficulty.

highly problematic for

Indicates that the difficulty causes significant issues or complications.

unusually demanding for

Suggests that the difficulty exceeds normal expectations or standards.

quite arduous for

Emphasizes the effort and laboriousness involved in overcoming the difficulty.

distinctly taxing for

Highlights the strain or burden imposed by the difficulty.

notably strenuous for

Emphasizes the vigorous effort and exertion required.

uncommonly complex for

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the difficulty.

seriously inconvenient for

Highlights the disruption and trouble caused by the difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "very difficult for" to describe a challenging situation or task affecting someone or something. For example, "The new software was "very difficult for the team to learn"" or "The economic downturn has been "very difficult for small businesses"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "very difficult for"?

Alternatives include "extremely challenging for", "particularly hard for", or "especially tough for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "very difficult for someone"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "very difficult for" is commonly used and widely accepted in English to indicate that something poses a significant challenge to a particular person or group.

What's the difference between "difficult for" and "very difficult for"?

Adding "very" intensifies the degree of difficulty. "Difficult for" implies a challenge, while "very difficult for" suggests a significantly greater level of challenge or hardship. The choice depends on the strength of the difficulty you wish to convey.