I had difficulty with it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I had difficulty with it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a challenge or struggle you faced regarding a specific task or subject. Example: "During the exam, I had difficulty with it, which affected my overall performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the start I had difficulty with my footwork.

The New York Times - Sports

As an individual with a mild handicap, I had difficulty with the walk.

The New York Times

I had difficulty with the test.

Huffington Post

So she gets these figures and passes them to me on my phone and I've never had difficulty with it at all".

BMC Health Services Research

After the genocide, I had difficulties with both my own family and my husband's family.

Huffington Post

As a beginning Spanish speaker, I had difficulties with dos (two) and doce (12).

Huffington Post

It's the faceless line managers that I have difficulty with," he said.

The Guardian - Business

"I guess I have difficulty with the question".

The New York Times

I have difficulty with mobility/hearing/vision/speech, or another disability; can I still participate?

University of Chicago

I have difficulty with that last point.

Vice

I have difficulty with long term goals, like remembering them.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I had difficulty with it", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "I had difficulty with it" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing sentences to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I had difficulty with it" functions as a statement expressing a challenge or problem encountered by the speaker. It describes the speaker's experience of finding something not easy or straightforward. Ludwig provides examples showing its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I had difficulty with it" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that someone faced a challenge or problem. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and applicable in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral, it can be adapted for more formal settings by using alternatives. To avoid repetition, synonyms like "I struggled with it" or "I found it challenging" can be used. Always ensure the context clarifies what "it" refers to for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I struggled with it

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved.

I found it challenging

Highlights the challenging nature of the task or situation.

I had a hard time with it

Indicates the difficulty experienced.

I experienced difficulty with it

A more formal way of expressing the difficulty.

It was difficult for me

Shifts the focus to the difficulty itself.

I had trouble with it

Indicates problems encountered.

It posed a challenge for me

Highlights the challenge presented by the situation.

I couldn't manage it easily

Expresses the lack of ease in handling the task.

It presented some obstacles for me

Highlights the presence of obstacles.

I grappled with it

Emphasizes the effort and ongoing struggle.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I had difficulty with it" to sound more professional?

Consider alternatives such as "I encountered challenges with it", "I experienced some difficulty", or "I struggled with it" /s/I+struggled+with+it for a more formal tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I had difficulty with it"?

Yes, the phrase "I had difficulty with it" is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's a more direct way to say "I had difficulty with it"?

You could say "I struggled with it" /s/I+struggled+with+it or "I found it challenging" /s/I+found+it+challenging for a more concise expression.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "I had difficulty with it"?

It's suitable in most situations where you want to express that you faced a challenge or problem. Adjust your tone based on the specific context.