a concealed difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a concealed difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenge or problem that is not immediately obvious or visible. Example: "The project seemed straightforward at first, but there was a concealed difficulty that we had to address later on."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Subthemes relating to relationships with family and friends included changes in relationships due to their difficulties, positive support, feeling unsupported and concealing difficulties from others.

BMJ Open

A concealed weapon?

The Guardian - Film

A concealed old pot bust?

The New York Times - Sports

"And I have a concealed carry permit.

The Guardian

A permit to carry a concealed gun.

The New York Times

Jonathan was also wearing a concealed weapon.

The New Yorker

He had a permit to carry a concealed handgun.

The New York Times

Require a psychological evaluation to carry a concealed weapon.

The New York Times

Mr. Zimmerman had a license to carry a concealed weapon.

The New York Times

Respondent was convicted of possession of a concealed weapon.

Cornell University

She still totes a concealed Beretta, just in case.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a concealed difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates what is hiding or obscuring the difficulty. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a concealed difficulty" when a simpler term like "problem" or "challenge" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when the hidden or obscured nature of the difficulty is significant to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concealed difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "concealed" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "difficulty". It describes a specific type of difficulty – one that is not immediately obvious or apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concealed difficulty" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a challenge that isn't immediately obvious. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While not overly common, this phrase finds its place in diverse contexts, spanning news, scientific literature, and encyclopedic references. It is crucial to ensure the context makes it clear what is obscuring the difficulty. Alternatives like ""a hidden challenge"" or ""an underlying problem"" offer similar meanings, while focusing on the hidden nature of the difficulty. When writing, it is best to avoid using this phrase where a simpler word would suffice, reserving it for instances where the hidden or obscured nature of the difficulty is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hidden challenge

Replaces "concealed" with "hidden", emphasizing the lack of visibility of the challenge.

an underlying problem

Shifts focus to the root cause being not immediately apparent.

a latent issue

Highlights the potential for the difficulty to emerge or become active.

a veiled complication

Emphasizes the obscurity and indirect nature of the difficulty.

an unacknowledged obstacle

Focuses on the difficulty being ignored or not properly recognized.

a subtle impediment

Highlights the difficulty being understated or difficult to perceive.

a masked hardship

Emphasizes how the difficulty is being disguised or covered up.

an obscure snag

Replaces "difficulty" with a more colloquial term, suggesting a less serious but still problematic issue that is hard to find.

a disregarded complexity

Indicates a complex element that has not been given enough consideration.

a covert obstacle

Similar to "concealed" but can suggest deliberate secrecy or discretion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a concealed difficulty" to describe a challenge that is not immediately obvious. For example: "The project seemed straightforward at first, but there was "a concealed difficulty" that we had to address later on."

What are some alternatives to "a concealed difficulty"?

Some alternatives include "a hidden challenge", "an underlying problem", or "a latent issue".

Is "a concealed difficulty" a formal or informal phrase?

"A concealed difficulty" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject and audience. However, be mindful of its complexity and use it where a more straightforward alternative is not more appropriate.

What makes "a concealed difficulty" different from a regular difficulty?

The word "concealed" suggests that the difficulty is not readily apparent and may require investigation or deeper understanding to uncover. It implies a hidden or obscured aspect that distinguishes it from a typical, straightforward difficulty.