a difficulty of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficulty of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific challenge or problem related to a particular subject or situation. Example: "One difficulty of learning a new language is mastering the pronunciation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Common sense would indicate there's a difficulty of enforcement".

The New York Times

Into this arena marches a trio of mechanical bourgeois, who are actually (it's a difficulty of staging the play) gods.

The Guardian

Russell has said that a difficulty of working with Scott-Heron was that sometimes he wouldn't show up.

The New Yorker

With this comes a difficulty of implementing changes or imposing standards; more than 2,400 care workers were paid less than the minimum wage between 2011 and 2013.

The Guardian

And there is a difficulty of scope; no responsible art historian would have attempted to cover both antique and post-medieval art".

The Guardian - Books

Once again, there is a difficulty of interpretation over the name of his bride, as the clerk may have erred in his spelling, or Shakespeare may have attempted to marry someone else before he married Anne Hathaway.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

None of the items reached a difficulty index of 1.00.

BMC Health Services Research

None of 12 items reached a difficulty index of 1.00.

BMC Health Services Research

Both sites have a difficulty rating of 5.12a.

TechCrunch

A central difficulty of falsification is behavioural rather than theoretical – falsificationism is an ideal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Republicans this year faced a special difficulty, of course.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficulty of", ensure that the noun following "of" clearly identifies the area or task where the difficulty arises. For example, "a difficulty of implementation" is clearer than "a difficulty" alone.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficulty of" in overly broad contexts without specifying the precise nature of the challenge. Instead of saying "There's a difficulty of understanding", specify what makes it difficult to understand, such as "There's a difficulty of understanding the complex jargon."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficulty of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a specific problem or challenge associated with a particular task, subject, or situation. Ludwig examples show the phrase highlighting various challenges in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficulty of" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for pinpointing challenges or problems associated with specific areas or tasks. Ludwig confirms its presence across varied domains, from scientific research to news reporting, underlining its versatility. While "a difficulty of" is generally correct, clarity can be enhanced by specifying the nature of the difficulty. Consider alternative phrases like "a challenge in" or "a problem with" to add nuance. Avoid overgeneralization and always specify what exactly is causing the difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenge in

Focuses on the challenging aspect within a particular context.

a problem with

Highlights an issue or complication related to something.

a hurdle to

Emphasizes an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

an impediment to

Indicates something that hinders or obstructs progress.

a drawback of

Points out a disadvantage or negative aspect.

a limitation of

Highlights a restriction or constraint.

a complication in

Suggests a complex or intricate issue.

a snag in

Implies a sudden or unexpected problem.

an obstacle to

Indicates something that blocks or prevents progress.

a stumbling block for

Highlights something that causes someone to make a mistake or fail.

FAQs

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

Use "a difficulty of" to introduce a specific challenge or problem related to a particular task or subject. For example, "A difficulty of the project was securing funding".

What can I say instead of "a difficulty of"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenge in", "a problem with", or "a hurdle to" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "difficulty with" or "a difficulty of"?

"A difficulty of" is typically used when referring to a specific challenge inherent in a task or situation. "Difficulty with" is more general and can refer to someone's struggle with something. For instance, "a difficulty of implementation" versus "difficulty with the new software".

What are some common things that can cause "a difficulty of" something?

Common causes include complexity, lack of resources, conflicting priorities, unforeseen circumstances, and inadequate planning. For example, "a difficulty of completing the project on time arose due to unexpected delays".