a difficulty surfaced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficulty surfaced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a problem or challenge has emerged or become apparent in a situation. Example: "During the project, a difficulty surfaced that required immediate attention from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Market contagion and rating downgrades, starting when the magnitude of Greece's difficulties surfaced in early 2010, have become a self-fulfilling prophecy: by raising Portugal's borrowing costs to unsustainable levels, the rating agencies forced it to seek a bailout.

The New York Times

"I have not asked Charlie Rangel to come up here since his ethical difficulties surfaced," he said before denouncing his rival, Ms. Hayworth, for accusing him of donating $1,000 to Mr. Rangel, the dean of the New York Congressional delegation.

The New York Times

Later, with economic hardship, difficulties surfaced.

Critical Care

How is the difficulty surfacing?

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

But difficulties soon surfaced.

The New York Times

This may stem from a difficulty in identifying the surface boundaries where relative disparity is available.

Plosone

When the number of surface parameters exceeds the number of collected surface observations, a difficulty with the dimensionality emerges in classification.

Journal of Manufacturing Systems

Benthic diatoms represent an important element of global nutritional productivity; to raise attention on their role, which is often neglected due to analytical difficulties, surface (1 cm top layer) coastal sediments from Gerlache inlet to Penguin Bay at Terra Nova Bay were collected and stored at −20 °C.

Marine Environmental Research

However, considering the cost and construction difficulties, surface wells are expensive and complicated, whereas the roof roadway is simple and flexible with well-known drainage effectiveness.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Until new roads were built recently, it was accessible only with difficulty on poorly surfaced roads that were little more than a series of hairpin turns.

Los Angeles Times

Further, it remains to be seen whether difficulties will surface if the onus to confront systemic risk is ultimately shifted to primary regulators.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "a problem arose" or "an issue emerged" for variety and to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficulty surfaced" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficulty surfaced" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the emergence of a problem. It acts as a declarative statement, introducing a complication or challenge that has become apparent. Ludwig AI states that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficulty surfaced" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the emergence of a problem or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. While the phrase is relatively neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing to use it. As there are no example sentences available at the moment, remember to vary your language and consider using synonyms like "a problem arose" or "an issue emerged" to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem arose

Focuses on the occurrence of a problem.

an issue emerged

Highlights the emergence of a specific issue.

a challenge presented itself

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.

a snag developed

Indicates a minor difficulty or unexpected obstacle.

a complication arose

Highlights the complex nature of the emerging problem.

trouble began

Focuses on the start of a period of trouble.

a setback occurred

Emphasizes the hindering nature of the event.

an obstacle appeared

Highlights the appearance of an impediment.

a hitch surfaced

Indicates a temporary or unexpected problem.

matters became difficult

Broadly describes the situation turning challenging.

FAQs

What does "a difficulty surfaced" mean?

The phrase "a difficulty surfaced" means that a problem or challenge has emerged or become apparent. It suggests that something has recently come to light, causing complications.

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

You can use alternatives like "a problem arose", "an issue emerged", or "a challenge presented itself" depending on the context.

Is "a difficulty surfaced" formal or informal?

The phrase "a difficulty surfaced" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional settings.

How do I use "a difficulty surfaced" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficulty surfaced" to introduce a problem or challenge that has recently become apparent. For example: "During the project, a difficulty surfaced that required immediate attention."