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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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As difficult as

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is as difficult as it sounds.

News & Media

The New York Times

Nowcasting can be as difficult as forecasting.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Success is often as difficult as failure.

News & Media

The New York Times

"The schedule wasn't as difficult as it looked on paper".

But this issue is not as difficult as it seems.

News & Media

The New York Times

The terminology makes it as difficult as anything.

Fortunately, this is not as difficult as it may sound.

News & Media

The New York Times

Her attempt will be as difficult as it is unprecedented.

A notorious drunk, was she as difficult as they say?

But staying seems as difficult as leaving the water.

News & Media

The New York Times

Unlike writing, which remains as difficult as ever.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

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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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: