He has principles difficult to apply. vs He has difficult principles to apply.

[Navi]

Which are correct:

1-He has principles difficult to apply.
2-He has difficult principles to apply.
(If they are both correct, is there a difference in their meanings?)

3-That is an idea difficult to grasp.
4-That is a difficult idea to grasp.
(If they are both correct, is there a difference in their meanings?)

[Mister Micawber]

In 1 and 3 it is the application/grasping that is difficult; in 2 and 4 it is the principles/idea. In 3 and 4 there is no real difference in intent.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[NikJames]

If you want to use 1 and 3 I would recommend using commas ... I would not consider this conversational speech and could be confusing if not in the right context.

1-He has principles, difficult to apply.

3-That is an idea, difficult to grasp.

2 and 4 are the common conversational ways to say these phrases.

http://www.CoolAmericanEnglish.com

[Mister Micawber]

Awful use of commas, Nik. You should have your punctuation license suspended.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[SkiIucK]

They issue such?

[Mister Micawber]

Yes, but mine is a restricted license: commas, semicolons, colons and full stops only. Next year I'm taking the exam for ellipses and interrobangs; I hear it's a killer.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's