will be difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is expected to be challenging or hard to accomplish in the future. Example: "The upcoming project will be difficult, but I believe we can manage it with teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This will be difficult.

The New York Times

It will be difficult.

The New York Times

That will be difficult.

The Economist

Saturday's meeting will be difficult.

The Economist

First, cheating will be difficult.

The Economist

There will be difficult days.

The New York Times

Changing this will be difficult.

The Economist

And it will be difficult.

The Economist

But healing will be difficult.

The New York Times

An override will be difficult.

The New York Times

But that will be difficult.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrases like "will present challenges" or "will prove challenging" for a more nuanced tone, depending on the specific context.

Common error

While "will be difficult" is a common and accepted phrase, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or providing more descriptive details about the specific challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be difficult" functions as a predictive statement, assessing the anticipated level of challenge associated with a future event or task. Ludwig shows that it commonly introduces a discussion of the specific reasons why something is not easy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will be difficult" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate anticipated challenges. As Ludwig confirms, its frequent presence in news, formal business, and scientific writing underscores its versatility. For impactful communication, consider specifying the nature of the difficulty or exploring alternative expressions. While accurate and versatile, avoid overuse and focus on clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will present challenges

Focuses on the challenges that something will create.

will prove challenging

Highlights the act of something demonstrating its difficulty over time.

will not be easy

Uses a more direct and simple way to express difficulty.

will require effort

Emphasizes the need for exertion to overcome the difficulty.

will demand attention

Stresses the level of focus needed due to potential difficulties.

will be no walk in the park

An idiomatic way of saying something won't be easy.

will be an uphill battle

Suggests a sustained and arduous effort against resistance.

will be an ordeal

Implies a painful or horrific experience, a greater magnitude of difficulty.

will take some doing

Highlights the effort and skill required.

will be a struggle

Emphasizes the combative nature of the challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "will be difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "will be difficult" to express that something is expected to be challenging. For example, "Implementing the new policy will be difficult, but necessary."

What are some alternatives to "will be difficult"?

Alternatives include "will present challenges", "will prove challenging", or "will not be easy", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "will be difficult"?

No, it is grammatically correct, but it might be too general in some contexts. Consider using more specific language to describe the nature of the difficulty.

How can I make my writing more engaging than just saying "will be difficult"?

Instead of simply stating that something "will be difficult", elaborate on the specific obstacles or complexities involved. For instance, instead of saying "The negotiation will be difficult", you could say "The negotiation will be difficult due to conflicting interests and tight deadlines."