will be elusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be elusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is difficult to find, achieve, or understand in the future. Example: "The solution to this complex problem will be elusive, requiring more time and effort to uncover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Success will be elusive.

The Economist

But sometimes even interim jobs will be elusive or unremunerative.

The New York Times

But that will be elusive, to judge by the rancorous tone of this week's peace talks.

The Economist

Recognising that consensus will be elusive, the ELCA's changes allow flexibility for congregations that disapprove.

The Economist

In other cloud businesses profits will be elusive, given the intense competition from Amazon, Google and increasingly IBM.

The Economist

Without the willingness to take multiple assignments, or even strategic lateral moves, a well-rounded skill set will be elusive.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Peace will always be elusive.

Cornell University

But that doesn't mean that the origins of such disorders will always be elusive.

The New Yorker

While demonstrable wins from management initiatives will always be elusive, robust action on public health is where health secretaries can make their mark on the sector's history.

The Guardian

If it seems that the Languedoc is always on the way but never quite arriving, that's only because the region has had so far to go, and the destination, like the completion of New York City, will always be elusive.

The New York Times - Food

I think full self-driving capability will likely be elusive: it is unlikely that any automotive company, like Tesla, would take on the liability of moving passengers in vehicles it doesn't control.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will be elusive", ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly defined and that the reason for its elusiveness is either stated or implied. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "will be elusive" in situations where the reason for something's difficulty is not apparent. Overusing the phrase without context can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear. Provide specific reasons or examples to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be elusive" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a prediction or expectation that something will be difficult to attain, find, or understand. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it's used to describe future states characterized by a lack of clarity or accessibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "will be elusive" is a phrase used to express the expectation that something will be difficult to find, achieve, or understand. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context to clarify why something might be difficult to attain. Alternatives such as ""will be unattainable"" or "will prove difficult to find" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be unattainable

Emphasizes the impossibility of reaching or achieving something.

will be difficult to achieve

Highlights the effort and challenges involved in reaching a goal.

will prove difficult to find

Focuses on the challenge of locating or discovering something.

will remain out of reach

Indicates that something will continue to be inaccessible or unachievable.

will be hard to come by

Suggests that something will be scarce and not easily obtained.

will not be easily realized

Emphasizes that something will not manifest or become a reality without significant effort.

will be a distant prospect

Indicates that something is unlikely to happen in the near future.

will be like chasing shadows

Implies that the pursuit will be futile and unproductive.

will present a major challenge

Highlights the significant difficulties and obstacles involved.

will meet with many obstacles

Suggests that progress will be hindered by numerous impediments.

FAQs

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

Use "will be elusive" to describe something that is expected to be difficult to find, achieve, or understand in the future. For instance, "A rock-solid agreement will be elusive, to judge by the rancorous tone of this week's peace talks."

What are some alternatives to "will be elusive"?

Alternatives include phrases like "will be unattainable", "will be difficult to achieve", or "will remain out of reach", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "elusive"?

Something is "elusive" when it's hard to catch, find, understand, or achieve. This can be due to various factors like complexity, scarcity, or active attempts to conceal it.

Is it better to use "elusive" or "difficult"?

"Elusive" suggests something is hard to grasp or attain, often implying a sense of mystery or intentional avoidance. "Difficult" is more general, indicating a challenge that requires effort. Choose the word that best fits the specific context and nuance you intend to communicate.