"has proven to be difficult" vs "has proved difficult"

Question

"has proven to be difficult" vs "has proved difficult"

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning, but there is a slight difference in emphasis. 'Has proven to be difficult' emphasizes the ongoing nature of the difficulty, while 'has proved difficult' focuses more on the past action of proving the difficulty.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that something has been shown or demonstrated to be difficult over time.

Examples:

Learning a new language has proven to be difficult for me.
The project has proven to be difficult to complete on time.

Alternatives:

has been shown to be difficult
has been demonstrated to be difficult
has turned out to be difficult

This phrase is used to indicate that something has been demonstrated to be difficult in the past.

Examples:

The new software has proved difficult to install.
The task has proved difficult for many employees.

Alternatives:

has been shown to be difficult
has been demonstrated to be difficult
has turned out to be difficult

Answer 1

has proven to be difficult

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

has proved difficult

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"has proven to be difficult" vs "has proved difficult"

has proven to be difficult

has proved difficult

Related Comparisons