a central difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or main challenge in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In addressing climate change, a central difficulty lies in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But there was a central difficulty in winning over the Russians.

The New York Times

A central difficulty is the uneasy relationship between Belgrade and the other Yugoslav republic, Montenegro.

The New York Times

A central difficulty of falsification is behavioural rather than theoretical – falsificationism is an ideal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Beth Cooke expressively captures her turmoil, yet there is a central difficulty with the characterisation of Karin.

The Guardian

A central difficulty of utopian fiction is the lack of dramatic conflict; a state of perfection is inherently uneventful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A central difficulty of the government's reforms is the need to offer an improved service that is "nonbureaucratic, patient-driven, clinician-led", while also grappling with a requirement to make significant savings.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

David H Richardson A How about the 2007 Saint Aubin Premier Cru Sous Roche Daumay, Gérard Thomas (£17.99, 13%) as a white, and the 2007 Mount Difficulty Pinot Noir, Central Otago (£20.99, 14%) as a red, both available at Waitrose?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The central difficulty is that in a field it is possible to divide but in a ring it is not.

Encyclopedia Britannica

David Leventhal, one of two Romeos in the alternating title pairings, said that the central difficulty was to find a way to communicate the story's strong emotions without using a ballet vocabulary.

The New York Times - Arts

Philosophy identifies (V.4) the character Boethius's central difficulty as lying in the apparent incompatibility between an event's not having a necessary outcome and yet its being foreknown.

SEP

The other central difficulty derives from the many ways there are to undercut a broad range of stakeholders and keep them from making a meaningful contribution to the deliberation.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a central difficulty", ensure it clearly identifies the most significant challenge being addressed in your writing. Use it to frame the core problem before exploring related issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a central difficulty" when the issue is merely a minor inconvenience. Reserve it for truly significant obstacles that impact the overall outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central difficulty" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a primary problem or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its use in framing core issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for pinpointing a primary challenge or obstacle. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is most common in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for significant issues and avoid overstating minor inconveniences. Alternative phrases like "a key obstacle" or "a major challenge" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Consider the context and impact when incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key obstacle

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the difficulty.

a major challenge

Highlights the demanding nature of the difficulty.

a primary issue

Focuses on the importance and centrality of the difficulty as a problem.

a fundamental problem

Underlines the foundational nature of the difficulty.

the main impediment

Stresses the hindering aspect of the difficulty.

a core complication

Highlights the intricate and complex nature of the difficulty.

a significant hurdle

Focuses on the need to overcome the difficulty.

a critical snag

Emphasizes the sudden and disruptive nature of the difficulty.

a pivotal challenge

Highlights the importance and decisiveness nature of the difficulty.

the crux of the matter

Captures the essential and decisive point of difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "a central difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "a central difficulty" to introduce the main problem or obstacle in a particular situation. For example, "A central difficulty is the lack of funding for this project".

What phrases are similar to "a central difficulty"?

Similar phrases include "a key obstacle", "a major challenge", or "a primary issue", all of which highlight a significant problem.

Is it appropriate to use "a central difficulty" in formal writing?

Yes, "a central difficulty" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing significant challenges in academic, professional, or scientific contexts.

What is the difference between "a central difficulty" and "a minor inconvenience"?

"A central difficulty" refers to a significant problem that impacts the overall outcome, while "a minor inconvenience" is a trivial issue that doesn't have a substantial effect. It is important to differentiate them in your writing to avoid overstating issues.