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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
As difficult as
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "as difficult as" is correct and usable in written English
It is used to compare the difficulty of two things. For example, "Learning a new language is as difficult as memorizing a long poem."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
This is as difficult as it sounds.
News & Media
Nowcasting can be as difficult as forecasting.
News & Media
Success is often as difficult as failure.
News & Media
"The schedule wasn't as difficult as it looked on paper".
News & Media
But this issue is not as difficult as it seems.
News & Media
The terminology makes it as difficult as anything.
News & Media
Fortunately, this is not as difficult as it may sound.
News & Media
Her attempt will be as difficult as it is unprecedented.
News & Media
A notorious drunk, was she as difficult as they say?
News & Media
But staying seems as difficult as leaving the water.
News & Media
Unlike writing, which remains as difficult as ever.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When using "as difficult as", ensure that you are comparing two specific and clearly defined subjects to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Solving this equation is as difficult as climbing Mount Everest" provides a clear comparison.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "as difficult as" when the comparison is not logical or clear. For example, don't say "This idea is as difficult as happiness"; instead, relate it to a concrete challenge or task.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "as difficult as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that two subjects possess a similar degree of difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
48%
Academia
17%
Science
10%
⚠ Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Encyclopedias
2%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "as difficult as" is a versatile phrase used to draw comparisons between the difficulty levels of two different subjects. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as academic writing. When using "as difficult as", ensure the comparison is logical and specific to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "equally challenging to" or "no less demanding than" can provide nuanced variations while conveying the same core meaning. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively employ "as difficult as" to enhance clarity and impact in their writing.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
equally challenging to
Emphasizes the equivalent level of challenge between two subjects.
is virtually as hard as
Virtually emphasizes that two things are extremely alike, near identical and thus similarly hard.
no less demanding than
Highlights that something is not less taxing or rigorous compared to something else.
just as problematic as
Focuses on the similarity in the level of problems or issues.
comparably complex to
Indicates a similar level of complexity.
on par in difficulty with
States that something is at the same level of difficulty.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "as difficult as" in a sentence?
Use "as difficult as" to compare the degree of challenge between two things. For instance, "Learning to code is "as difficult as" learning a new language".
What are some alternatives to "as difficult as"?
You can use alternatives such as "equally challenging to", "no less demanding than", or "comparably complex to" depending on the context.
Is there a difference between "as difficult as" and "more difficult than"?
"As difficult as" implies that two things have a similar level of challenge, while "more difficult than" indicates that one thing is harder than the other. The choice depends on the specific comparison you want to make.
Can "as difficult as" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "as difficult as" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, ensure the comparison is clear and precise, especially in formal contexts.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested