But it was often difficult. To protect their towns,the settlers often had to employ people who were expert in the use of firearms.

VOA: special.2010.03.10

A little indirect but not so indirect that is difficult to understand. You should use this often.

有一点委婉，但不至于委婉到让人难以理解。应当尽量多使用这种句型。

Why don't 课堂 - SpeakingMax英语口语达人

"The problem with that body of research is that it's difficult to interpret because obviously people with existing mental health problems use cigarettes to self-medicate."

VOA: standard.2010.06.15

But analyst Ryan Radia says that even if that is the case, governments could still lose because modern technology allows virtually anyone to circumvent the bans and use other encryption methods that are extremely difficult to break.

VOA: standard.2010.08.02