a combination of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a combination of difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or task that involves multiple challenges or complexities. Example: "The project presented a combination of difficulty that required innovative solutions and teamwork to overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

All 25 patients that failed initial macular hole surgery and were not re-operated on declined re-operation either for personal reasons (a combination of difficulty with face-down positioning along with guarded prognosis) or deferred their decision to think about it and did not get back to their surgeon within a year of primary surgery.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We encountered significant delay in opening recruiting centres due to a combination of difficulties in obtaining high-quality data for quality assurance assessment and securing approval from respective host organisations.

British Journal of Cancer

Social care and healthcare are consistently ranked as among the most stressful fields to work in – perhaps due to a combination of the difficulty of the work itself, budget cuts, a high turnover of employees, and staff shortages.

The Guardian

The trouble is, that system is mostly hidden from the outside world by a combination of language difficulty and the pitch-dark opacity that envelops much important business here.

The New York Times

A gymnast's performance is evaluated by a jury according to rulebooks, which include a combination of the difficulty level, execution and artistry.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The three categories of admission are not reported separately because children could be diagnosed with a combination of breathing difficulty, feverish illness, and diarrhoea during a single admission.

BMC Pediatrics

Regardless of acute clinical symptoms, WNV case-patients in this study continued to report difficulty walking, muscle weakness, fatigue, and insomnia, with >40% reporting a combination of these difficulties, and 30% continued to report persistence of memory loss, confusion, depression, and irritability at 18 months after acute illness.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

This was likely due to a combination of legal difficulties and changes in the woman's circumstances, he said.

The Guardian

He said: "It reflects a combination of the difficulties some rural authorities have with recruitment outside the central belt and the appalling lack of teaching posts in the Republic and Canada".

BBC

The campaign then slowed owing to a combination of logistical difficulties and Japanese resistance.

Wikipedia

It's an odd place to holiday, but the burning purpose of this pilgrimage is to visit the nearby shrine, where it is hoped that Hanny, who has a condition that seems to be a combination of severe learning difficulties and muteness, might be cured.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a combination of difficulty", specify the contributing factors to provide a clearer understanding of the situation. For example, "The project faced a combination of technical difficulty and logistical challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "a combination of difficulty" as a vague explanation. Instead, identify and describe the specific factors that contribute to the difficulty. For example, instead of saying "The task was challenging due to a combination of difficulty", specify "The task was challenging due to a combination of complex algorithms, limited resources, and time constraints."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a combination of difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object within a sentence. It describes a situation characterized by multiple challenging factors. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a combination of difficulty" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe situations characterized by multiple challenging elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used across various contexts. To enhance clarity, specifying the contributing factors is advisable. Alternatives such as "a confluence of challenges" or "a mix of hardships" can offer more descriptive nuances. While the phrase is appropriate for formal writing, providing specific details about the difficulties involved is essential for effective communication. It is found to be very common in scientific articles and news reports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a confluence of challenges

Focuses on the merging of several challenges, implying a complex situation.

a mix of hardships

Highlights the presence of multiple hardships or adverse conditions.

a series of struggles

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the difficulties experienced.

an array of complexities

Focuses on the intricate and complicated nature of the issues.

multiple sources of adversity

Identifies various origins contributing to unfavorable conditions.

a web of complications

Implies interconnected and confusing difficulties.

a convergence of obstacles

Highlights the merging of multiple obstacles that hinder progress.

several layers of intricacy

Focuses on the deep and complex nature of the difficulties.

a multitude of problems

Emphasizes a large number of distinct problems contributing to the difficulty.

various interwoven issues

Suggests different issues that are interconnected and contribute to the overall difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "a combination of difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "a combination of difficulty" to describe situations involving multiple challenges. For instance, "The success of the mission depended on overcoming "a combination of difficulty" and unexpected obstacles."

What's a more descriptive way to say "a combination of difficulty"?

Instead of "a combination of difficulty", consider using phrases like "a confluence of challenges", "a mix of hardships", or "a series of struggles" to provide more specific context.

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

Yes, "a combination of difficulty" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that you clearly articulate the specific difficulties involved for better clarity and impact.

What are some common synonyms for "difficulty" that I can use with "a combination of"?

You can replace "difficulty" with words like "challenges", "obstacles", "complications", or "hardships" to create similar phrases, such as "a combination of challenges" or "a combination of obstacles".