[Grammar] difficult to explain vs. to be explained

[Csika]

Dear Forum Users,

Could anyone please explain the difference between:

1. This notion is difficult to explain by a single definition.
2. This notion is difficult to be expalined by a single definition.

Are they both correct?

Thank you.

Csika

 

[Unardin]

My interpretations of the adjectival complements are:

1. This notion is difficult to explain by a single definition.

To explain the notion by a single definition is difficult. The explanation is difficult.

2. This notion is difficult to be expalined by a single definition.

When this notion is explained by a single definition, it is hard to grasp. To grasp the notion is difficult.

Are they both correct?

Yes. Different meanings.

 

[Barb_D]

The second is quite unnatural to me.

 

[Unardin]

A bit constrained to me too. Technically possible still, IMO.