a few difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of challenges or problems encountered in a situation. Example: "Despite a few difficulties along the way, we managed to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Still, a few difficulties remained.

The New Yorker

Darwin's sweeping approach does raise a few difficulties.

The Guardian - Books

After the transplant, his life dramatically improved, but not before a few difficulties were overcome.

The Guardian

As an openly and unapologetically gay man, this presented Coles with a few difficulties.

Independent

"Because, you know, they had a few difficulties especially at the beginning with money.

The New York Times

Mrs Merkel acknowledged the UK had "a few difficulties here and there with certain legal provisions of the EU".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

His wit and congeniality were legendary even as a youth, so he had few difficulties establishing himself as a popular figure in Regency literary circles.

SEP

But internet users who perceive a threat from advertisers face few difficulties in limiting this spying with ad blockers and the like.

The Guardian - Tech

But he expects few difficulties raising a second round.

Forbes

In addition, although participants had an administration preference, they reported few difficulties with the versions they were assigned.

Duke University

And they have had to face a few unusual difficulties.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few difficulties" to acknowledge minor problems without exaggerating their significance. This can help maintain a balanced and objective tone in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a few difficulties" when the issues are severe or have major consequences. Choose stronger language to reflect the true impact of the problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few difficulties" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a limited number of problems or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few difficulties" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to acknowledge the presence of minor problems or challenges. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and suitable for various contexts. Its primary function is to downplay the significance of these issues, maintaining a neutral or positive tone. While prevalent in news and media, it's also appropriate for professional settings. For more formal academic or scientific writing, one might consider more precise terms. Alternatives like ""some challenges"" or ""minor setbacks"" can be used to achieve similar effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some challenges

Focuses on the aspect of facing demanding tasks or situations.

a couple of issues

Emphasizes that there are only two problems.

minor setbacks

Highlights the temporary or insignificant nature of the problems.

slight complications

Underlines the intricate or involved nature of the problems.

a handful of problems

Suggests a small number of problems that can be managed.

some hitches

Implies minor and temporary interruptions or obstacles.

certain snags

Highlights unexpected or concealed obstacles.

a few hurdles

Focuses on the need to overcome specific barriers or obstacles.

limited troubles

Stresses the restrictions on the extent or impact of the problems.

some adversity

Highlights the challenging or unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "a few difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "a few difficulties" to acknowledge some minor problems or challenges in a situation. For example, "Despite "a few difficulties" along the way, the project was completed successfully."

What are some alternatives to saying "a few difficulties"?

Alternatives include "some challenges", "minor setbacks", or "slight complications", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a few difficulties" or "some difficulties"?

"A few difficulties" and "some difficulties" are often interchangeable, but "a few" implies a smaller, more specific number than "some". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a few difficulties" and "a lot of difficulties"?

"A few difficulties" indicates a small number of problems, while "a lot of difficulties" suggests a large number or a significant degree of trouble. The choice depends on the actual severity of the situation.