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As difficult as it is
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "as difficult as it is" is correct and can be used in written English
This phrase is used to show that something is very difficult, usually when it is in comparison to something else. For example: "Learning a new language can be as difficult as it is rewarding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

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

These cases present remarkably complex legal problems because defining "war" (and its legal consequences) is as difficult as it is necessary.

Academia

University of Chicago

Her attempt will be as difficult as it is unprecedented.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

But coordination among computers can be as difficult as it is among people, Farhat said.

Academia

Stanford University

You've helped illuminate a corporate challenge that is as difficult as it is important.

News & Media

Harvard Business Review

Schizophrenics find empathy as difficult as it is for others to understand them.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's why this type of revitalization is as difficult as it is".

News & Media

The New York Times

As difficult as it is, however, some celebrities prefer to start their own foundations.

News & Media

The New York Times

As difficult as it is to confuse Manning, the Giants will show him multiple defensive looks.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

Forging an effective American counterterrorism policy in Yemen will be as difficult as it is necessary.

News & Media

The New York Times

Now, the issue of how to understand these passages from I Peter is as difficult as it is controversial.

Academia

Yale University

But even if getting out were not as difficult as it is, many designers would hang in there anyway.

News & Media

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "as difficult as it is" to acknowledge the challenging nature of a task or situation while simultaneously highlighting another important aspect or benefit. It's effective for adding nuance to your writing.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "as difficult as it is" in sentences where the difficulty is already obvious. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound redundant or overly cautious. Instead, reserve it for situations where the dual nature of difficulty and another quality is particularly relevant.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as difficult as it is" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by acknowledging a challenge or difficulty. It introduces a contrasting element, often highlighting a benefit or necessity despite the difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

11%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as difficult as it is" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge challenges while emphasizing other relevant aspects of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it's particularly common in news and media, academia, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure that you balance the acknowledgement of difficulty with a clear and meaningful contrasting point. By avoiding overuse and maintaining a balanced perspective, you can effectively leverage this phrase to add nuance and depth to your writing.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as challenging as it is

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", highlighting the stimulating or testing aspect of the situation.

as tough as it is

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", indicating resilience and perseverance are needed.

as troublesome as it is

Replaces "difficult" with "troublesome", emphasizing the inconvenience or annoyance associated with the subject.

as problematic as it is

Substitutes "difficult" with "problematic", emphasizing the existence of issues and complications.

as complex as it is

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex", focusing on the intricate nature of the subject.

as tricky as it is

Replaces "difficult" with "tricky", suggesting that the situation requires cunning or skillful navigation.

More alternative expressions(6)

as troublesome as it is

as complex as it is

as challenging as it is

as delicate as it is

as tricky as it is

as tough as it is

FAQs

How can I use "as difficult as it is" in a sentence?

Use "as difficult as it is" to acknowledge the challenging nature of something before introducing a contrasting or balancing point. For example, "As difficult as it is to learn a new language, the rewards are immense".

What are some alternatives to "as difficult as it is"?

You can use alternatives like "as challenging as it is", "despite its difficulties", or "even though it's difficult" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "as difficult as it is" or "although it is difficult"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "as difficult as it is" often implies a more immediate or direct contrast than "although it is difficult". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "as difficult as it is" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as difficult as it is" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to acknowledge challenges while also emphasizing other important aspects of a situation. However, consider the overall tone and avoid overuse.

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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

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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As difficult as it isGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

As difficult as it is
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples