Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a contained difficulty
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a contained difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or problem that is limited in scope or manageable within certain boundaries. Example: "The project presented a contained difficulty that the team was able to address without significant disruption."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
To avoid confounding effects of actual difficulty with effects of expectations, by necessity, half of the blocks in the experimental task contained difficulty labels that were false.
This task, containing difficulty conditions for the Nogo stimuli, enabled the acquisition of aware errors (mainly in the easy and intermediate conditions) and unaware errors (in the difficult condition), in addition to hits (i.e. correct responses on Go trials).
Science
In the new book, he recalls his "only extended meeting with John Updike," in the late nineteen-eighties, which allowed him to observe "those busy eyes of his, the set of the mouth (as if containing, with difficulty, a vast and mysterious euphoria), his turban-shaped hair still forcefully thriving, his hands on the tea tray so much firmer than my own".
News & Media
For an illness that required constant attention, support, and safety to contain, the difficulty of keeping health systems in West Africa up and running alone made it difficult to avoid making mistakes.
News & Media
Dear Ghosts both confronts and contains that difficulty.
News & Media
This model also contains the difficulty with the non-differentiability term in the total variation norm.
However, it contains a basic difficulty.
Science
A lack of awareness of the amount of calories contained in snacks, difficulty keeping track of snacking, and a desire to lose weight could all be responsible, according to the report.
News & Media
However, the ends of some sequences, for both COI and CYB, were shorter because of sequencing difficulties and contained a series of Ns.
Science
It also had difficulty containing a mobile quarterback: McNair scrambled for 30 yards, with a 7-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
News & Media
Ideally, a test should contain items with difficulty parameters well distributed across the full range of the latent phenotype and with good resolution (Figure 3).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a contained difficulty", ensure the context clearly defines the boundaries or limitations of the problem being described. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides clarity to the reader.
Common error
Avoid using "a contained difficulty" when the problem has far-reaching consequences or is significantly impacting multiple areas. This phrase is best suited for issues that are genuinely limited in scope.
Source & Trust
76%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a contained difficulty" primarily functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes a problem that is limited in scope or impact. It suggests that the difficulty is manageable and does not have widespread consequences.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a contained difficulty" refers to a problem that is limited in scope and manageable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While examples are limited, the phrase is best used when describing issues that are truly bounded and do not have widespread consequences. Alternatives such as "a manageable challenge" or "a limited problem" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure clarity by defining the boundaries of the difficulty when using this phrase.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a manageable challenge
This alternative replaces "difficulty" with "challenge" and "contained" with "manageable", focusing on the ease of handling the situation.
a limited problem
This option uses "problem" instead of "difficulty" and "limited" in place of "contained", highlighting the restricted scope of the issue.
a circumscribed issue
Using "circumscribed" emphasizes that the issue has clear boundaries and is well-defined, creating a more formal tone.
a localized setback
This phrase suggests a temporary and geographically or functionally limited impediment.
a confined obstacle
"Confined" suggests the obstacle is restricted in its impact or location, similar to "contained".
a discrete challenge
"Discrete" implies that the challenge is separate and distinct, making it easier to isolate and address.
a controlled difficulty
The alternative "controlled" suggests a higher degree of active management and restraint over the difficulty.
a bounded problem
"Bounded" offers another way to emphasize that the problem has defined limits and is not spreading uncontrollably.
a specific hurdle
This phrase emphasizes the focused nature of the obstacle, suggesting it's a clear and identifiable impediment.
a delineated issue
"Delineated" highlights that the issue is clearly defined and understood, making it easier to manage and resolve.
FAQs
How can I use "a contained difficulty" in a sentence?
You can use "a contained difficulty" to describe a problem that is limited in scope and manageable. For instance, "The project presented "a contained difficulty" that the team was able to address without significant disruption."
What are some alternatives to "a contained difficulty"?
Alternatives include "a manageable challenge", "a limited problem", or "a circumscribed issue", depending on the specific context.
Is "a contained difficulty" formal or informal?
"A contained difficulty" can be used in both formal and neutral contexts. It is suitable for professional reports as well as general communications where you need to describe a problem with specific limits.
What does "contained" mean in the phrase "a contained difficulty"?
In this context, "contained" means that the difficulty is limited in scope, impact, or area. It suggests that the problem is not spreading or escalating beyond certain boundaries.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
76%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested