a constant difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a constant difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or problem that is persistent and does not go away over time. Example: "Dealing with the constant difficulty of managing time effectively has been a struggle for many students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Ghostwritten books pose a constant difficulty – you are never sure whose voice is leading whose.

The Guardian - Books

It has been a constant difficulty for them to find the right balance – an extra batsman or an extra bowler – both roles that Kallis filled.

Independent

That took chutzpah, for though many embraced the idea and welcomed a dash of colour to what was then a down-at-heel district, race relations in Notting Hill were a constant difficulty.

The Guardian

Throughout Battleship Division Nine's time with the Grand Fleet, combating boredom was a constant difficulty.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Crain also provides telling details of expat life, like the joy of finding a store that sells cornflakes, or the constant difficulty of making plans to meet up with friends without the conveniences of landlines, let alone cellphones or electronic communication.

The New York Times - Books

Constant difficulties with noise may be a symptom of autism, sensory processing disorder, or ADHD.

WikiHow

One also observes the constant difficulties of designing sustainable schemes for bus companies.

Research in Transportation Economics

In examining Washington's constant difficulties with the governments in Saigon, the study found the United States so heavily committed to the regime of the moment and so fearful of instability that it was unable to persuade the South Vietnamese to make the political and economic reforms that Americans deemed necessary to win the allegiance of the people.

The New York Times

These have been a constant source of difficulty to local botanists.

Cornell University

For the 30,000 Palestinians who live in the surrounding villages, lack of access to Highway 443 has been a constant source of difficulty.

The New York Times

Wilson et al. (1998) observed decreases in P300 amplitudes elicited by a warning tone when their participants adapted to a constant level of difficulty during blocked compared to random stimulus presentation.

Clinical Neurophysiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a constant difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates the ongoing and persistent nature of the challenge being described. Provide specific examples to illustrate the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "a constant difficulty" to describe temporary or easily resolved problems. This phrase suggests a long-term, persistent issue that requires ongoing effort to manage or overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constant difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes something that presents a persistent and ongoing challenge. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, emphasizing the enduring nature of the difficulty.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a constant difficulty" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a challenge that is persistent and ongoing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples of its use in various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and academic settings. While it has a neutral tone, careful consideration should be given to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the enduring nature of the described challenge. Related phrases include "a persistent challenge" and "an ongoing problem". Proper usage involves providing context and avoiding its application to temporary issues. Ensure clarity and relevance when incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent challenge

Focuses on the enduring nature of the challenge, emphasizing its continuation.

an ongoing problem

Highlights the continuous nature of the problem, suggesting it's unresolved.

a recurring issue

Emphasizes that the issue appears repeatedly, rather than being permanently present.

a continual struggle

Stresses the effort required to deal with the difficulty, indicating a lack of ease.

an incessant obstacle

Highlights the relentless nature of the obstacle, suggesting it's never-ending.

a perennial problem

Focuses on the long-lasting and recurring nature of the problem, implying it's always present.

an unremitting challenge

Emphasizes the unrelenting nature of the challenge, indicating a lack of respite.

an enduring struggle

Highlights the prolonged nature of the struggle, emphasizing its persistence.

a chronic issue

Suggests the issue is long-term and likely to persist for an extended period.

a nagging difficulty

Highlights the annoying and persistent nature of the difficulty, implying it's bothersome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a constant difficulty" to describe a persistent problem. For example, "Finding affordable housing is "a constant difficulty" for many young professionals."

What are some alternatives to "a constant difficulty"?

Alternatives include "a persistent challenge", "an ongoing problem", or "a recurring issue". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a constant difficulty" and "a temporary setback"?

"A constant difficulty" implies an ongoing, persistent problem, while "a temporary setback" refers to a short-term obstacle or delay. The former is continuous, the latter is transient.

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

"A constant difficulty" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.