a difficult dilemma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult dilemma" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where one faces a challenging choice between two or more options, each with significant consequences. Example: "She found herself in a difficult dilemma, torn between accepting a job offer in a new city and staying close to her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We faced a difficult dilemma.

The New York Times

The Chinese government faces a difficult dilemma.

The New York Times

Then, the NHS will face a difficult dilemma.

Independent

Adriano Favre, director of the Soccorso Alpino rescue service at Valdostano, said his colleagues faced a difficult dilemma.

Independent

Balancing our access to the countryside with the rights of other species and a pristine landscape is a difficult dilemma.

The Guardian - Opinion

Andrews and Thomson see depression as a way of bolstering our feeble analytical skills, making it easier to pay continuous attention to a difficult dilemma.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"It's a very difficult dilemma for a developing nation," said Marc Bauman, the director of sales and marketing at Sam's Tours.

BBC

But those campaigning for a referendum may face a more difficult dilemma if they succeed – but do not get quite what they want.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a really difficult dilemma.

Independent

"This is a very difficult dilemma".

The New York Times - Health

"It was a very difficult dilemma".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult dilemma", ensure the context clearly presents two or more conflicting choices or outcomes. The phrase is most effective when the difficulty arises from the significant consequences of each option.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult dilemma" for situations that are merely inconvenient or require minimal decision-making. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where the choice has substantial and lasting implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult dilemma" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a challenging situation with conflicting options. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a difficult dilemma" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a challenging situation with significant choices. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous examples from varied sources like news outlets, scientific publications, and academic texts, confirms its broad applicability and correct usage. When aiming for greater precision or formality, consider alternative phrases such as "a challenging predicament" or "a complex quandary". Remember to reserve "a difficult dilemma" for truly impactful choices, avoiding its overuse in trivial scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging predicament

Replaces "dilemma" with "predicament", emphasizing the problematic situation.

a complex quandary

Substitutes "dilemma" with "quandary", highlighting the intricate nature of the problem.

a tough decision

Focuses on the decision-making aspect of the dilemma, using more common vocabulary.

a thorny issue

Uses "thorny issue" instead of "dilemma", suggesting a problem with many complications.

a perplexing situation

Replaces "difficult" with "perplexing", emphasizing the confusing aspect of the situation.

an intricate problem

Replaces "dilemma" with "problem", using stronger vocabulary to emphasize complexity.

a critical juncture

Shifts focus to the importance of the moment, implying a difficult choice.

a troublesome question

Highlights the problematic aspect of the issue using "troublesome question".

a vexing puzzle

Replaces the seriousness with a more playful tone, while maintaining the difficult concept.

a complicated matter

Generalizes the phrase, using "matter" instead of "dilemma" for broad applicability.

FAQs

What does "a difficult dilemma" mean?

The phrase "a difficult dilemma" refers to a situation where someone faces a challenging choice between two or more options, each with significant and often undesirable consequences.

What can I say instead of "a difficult dilemma"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging predicament", "a complex quandary", or "a tough decision" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "a difficult dilemma" in a sentence?

For example, "The company faced "a difficult dilemma": whether to cut costs by laying off employees or risk financial instability".

Is "a difficult dilemma" formal or informal language?

The phrase "a difficult dilemma" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "a complex quandary".