a difficult situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a difficult situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about a situation that is complex or challenging. For example, "The researchers were faced with a difficult situation when their experiment failed to produce the expected results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was a difficult situation.

Independent

The Lincoln administration faced a difficult situation.

The New York Times

"What a difficult situation," he finally said.

The New Yorker

"Those guys are in a difficult situation.

The New York Times - Sports

It's more than a difficult situation".

The New York Times

Vick is in a difficult situation.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a difficult situation now.

The New Yorker

So it's a difficult situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Pasok inherits a difficult situation.

The New York Times

"It's quite a difficult situation".

The Guardian

"It's a difficult situation," Dr. Zipes said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult situation", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it simply challenging, or is it delicate, complex, or even dangerous? Choose synonyms or related phrases to better reflect the context.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the adjective "difficult" by varying your language. Consider using stronger or more descriptive adjectives like "challenging", "complex", or "precarious" to provide a more vivid picture of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult situation" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is used to describe circumstances that present challenges or problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult situation" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe challenging or problematic circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations. While versatile, varying your vocabulary and considering synonyms like "challenging predicament" or "complex issue" can enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Remember to avoid overusing the adjective "difficult" by exploring stronger or more descriptive alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfavorable circumstance

Emphasizes the negative aspect of the situation by using "unfavorable".

a challenging predicament

Replaces "situation" with "predicament", emphasizing the problematic nature of the circumstance.

a problematic scenario

Replaces "situation" with "scenario", suggesting a more hypothetical or planned context.

a complex issue

Highlights the intricacy and complicated nature of the problem.

a tough spot

Uses a more informal idiom to convey the difficulty of the situation.

a trying ordeal

Emphasizes the hardship and prolonged difficulty of the situation.

a delicate matter

Suggests the situation requires careful handling due to its sensitivity.

a perplexing dilemma

Indicates the situation involves confusion and requires a choice between unsatisfactory options.

a sticky wicket

Introduces a British idiom conveying a troublesome or awkward situation.

a fraught affair

Conveys a sense of anxiety and tension surrounding the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult situation" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult situation" to describe circumstances that are challenging or problematic. For example, "The company found itself in "a difficult situation" after the market crash."

What are some alternatives to "a difficult situation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a challenging predicament", "a tough spot", or "a complex issue".

Is it better to say "difficult situation" or "challenging situation"?

Both "difficult situation" and "challenging situation" are grammatically correct, but "challenging" suggests an opportunity for growth, while "difficult" simply indicates a problem. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a delicate matter" instead of "a difficult situation"?

"A delicate matter" is more appropriate when the situation requires careful handling due to sensitivity or potential for harm. It emphasizes the need for tact and discretion, unlike "a difficult situation", which is more general.