The word “difficult” is a word in the English language that has multipurpose uses. Now we will examine how “difficult’’ plays the role of an adjective or noun.
The word “difficult’’ is certainly regarded as an adjective as it describes a noun or its equivalent. It expresses a meaning not easy to do, deal with or understand. As an adjective, it describes a noun or noun equivalent and as a noun, it refers to a condition or problem.
Let us discuss how the word “difficult’’ plays the role of an adjective and as a noun along with some facts and examples in an interesting way.
When is “difficult’’ an adjective?
An adjective is a part of speech that plays the role of a modifier of the noun, pronoun, or noun equivalent. Let us check when the word “difficult” is an adjective.
The word “difficult’’ is undoubtedly considered as an adjective when it performs the role of a modifier of the noun or its equivalent while framing a sentence or phrase.
Let us follow the table to go through the aspects when the word “difficult” is an adjective.
| Situation | Example | Explanation |
| 1. The word “difficult’’ is an adjective when it is used to refer to anything that is not easy to do. | I am unable to confirm the time when I will return home. | In this example, the word “difficult’’ acts as an adjective and indicates the uneasiness to confirm the time. |
| 2. We can use “difficult’’ as an adjective when we refer to hard situations or conditions that cause a lot of problems and make it hard to succeed. | The rural people are in difficult conditions to escape from severe floods every year. | In this sentence, the word “difficult’’ ad an adjective refers to the conditions that are hard for people. |
| 3. The word “difficult’’ can be used as an adjective when we refer to someone who is not happy or satisfied with anything. | Mary had a difficult childhood. | Here the word “difficult’’ plays the role of an adjective and modifies the noun “childhood’’. It shows that someone is unhappy with the condition. |
| 4. We can use “difficult’’ as an adjective when we need to show something that is not convenient or involves a lot of problems. | The evenings are difficult to pass along. | In this scenario, the word “difficult’’ works as an adjective and acts as a modifier of the noun “evenings”. |
Is “difficult’’ a descriptive adjective?
A descriptive adjective is one type of adjective that describes the noun and a pronoun. Here we will explain whether “difficult’’ is a descriptive adjective.
The word “difficult’’ is definitely regarded as a descriptive adjective as it plays the role of a modifier of the noun, pronoun, or noun equivalent.
Let us look at the table where the examples and detailed explanations are provided on the usage of “difficult’’ as a descriptive adjective.
| Example | Explanation |
| 1. The question is very difficult for the students to answer. | In this example, the word “difficult’’ is used as a descriptive adjective and modifies the noun “question’’. |
| 2. Suman was given some difficult sums to solve. | Here the word “difficult’’ plays the role of a descriptive adjective that describes the noun “sums’’. |
| 3. It is very difficult to walk on muddy roads in the monsoon. | It is found that the word “difficult’’ is used as a descriptive adjective here. |
| 4. The teacher always asks me to solve difficult problems. | In this sentence, it is seen that the word “difficult’’ acts as a descriptive adjective and describes the noun “problems’’. |
| 5. Roger spent a difficult childhood being an orphan. | Here the word “difficult’’ describes the noun “problems’’ and acts as a descriptive adjective. |
Is “difficult” a noun?
A noun is a part of speech that names the pace, person, or thing. Now we will discuss if the word “difficult’’ is a noun or not.
The word “difficult’’ is regarded as a noun as it is used to refer to some situations or conditions.
When is “difficult’’ a noun?
We are certain to use the word “difficult’’ as a noun when “difficulty” is framed by adding the suffix “y’’ with the root word and giving us the meaning of condition or problem.
Now, let us have a look at the table where the examples are given on the usage of “difficult’’ as a noun.
| Example | Explanation |
| 1. George was speaking with great difficulty. | Here the word “difficulty’’ works as a noun and refers to the condition of someone. |
| 2. Soham is in great difficulty running a large family with this small income. | In this example, the word “difficulty’’ has been used as a noun and refers to some condition. |
| 3. Do not avoid difficulties in life. | Here the word “difficulties’’ acts as a noun and indicates the conditions of life. |
| 4. Some difficulties surround the poor people of our locality. | Here we see that the word “difficulties’’ works as a noun and refers to the conditions the people have to face. |
| 5. Ranjan has difficulty in his leg playing in the match today. | Here it is found that the word “difficulty’’ also acts as a noun and has the reference to a problem in the lag. |
Conclusion
The present article is on the usage of “difficult’’ as an adjective and as a noun. It will be very helpful to us for framing any sentence using the right forms. The thorough and careful reading of the article will be much beneficial to us.
Hi…. I am Goutam Datta. I have completed a double M. A. in English and B. Ed. I am a creative writer. Currently, I am a part of the LambdaGeeks.
