a grave difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or significant problem or challenge someone is facing. Example: "The team encountered a grave difficulty when trying to meet the project deadline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The mercurial character of the Bundesliga, which brought Wolfsburg to the fore, also causes a grave difficulty.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In an email to a member of the public, she said she was "deeply offended" by criticism over her pay, adding: "I took on a company in grave difficulty.

The Guardian

Clément, in contrast, seemed like some burrowing animal, smarting in the sunlight in his stubble and shades – an impression poignantly reinforced by the grave difficulty he seemed to experience in getting his serves over the net.

Independent

There is, it must be confessed, a grave logical difficulty in this fact, for it is difficult not to believe that a whole must be constituted by its constituents.

SEP

The grave difficulty that must be met by a new progressive constitutional approach can so far be sensed most readily not in court cases but in the government's actions and justifications connected with the bailout of financial institutions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even the minority report of the papal commission noted grave difficulty in attempting to present conclusive proof of the immorality of artificial contraception based on the natural law".

The New Yorker

The sacrament was always held in summer, when the whole tribe could gather; those pledging to undertake the most arduous form of the ritual usually did so in thanks for having been relieved of some grave difficulty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the event that roadways are not clear for travel on Sunday, the faithful are reminded that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply when there is grave difficulty in fulfilling this obligation," the statement continued.

The Guardian

It is true that those sex crime "defendants" later proven to be innocent have grave difficulty in ridding their reputation of the ghost of the alleged offence, however unfair that is.

The Guardian

By now Billy Hartington and Kick had fallen in love, but there was the grave difficulty of religion, which held up marriage for several years until Kick, to the horror of her mother, agreed to bring up any children in the Church of England.

The New York Times - Books

Those who boarded boats skippered by people smugglers to get across the Mediterranean were, it was argued, actually hoping to get into grave difficulty, so as to be rescued and then fast forwarded to their desired asylum destinations, including the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a grave difficulty", ensure the context aligns with the seriousness implied by 'grave'. Reserve it for situations that pose significant challenges or potential negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave difficulty" to describe minor inconveniences or easily solvable problems. The term suggests a serious and potentially impactful issue, so choose more appropriate language for less significant situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave difficulty" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as an object or subject complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it accurately conveys a serious or significant problem.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave difficulty" is a phrase used to describe a significant and serious problem or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains. The term is best suited for situations where the intensity and potential impact warrant such strong language. Remember to consider alternatives such as ""a serious problem"" or ""a significant challenge"" when a less severe tone is appropriate. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias contexts, demonstrating its utility in reporting and analyzing critical issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious problem

Replaces 'grave' with 'serious', indicating a significant issue but potentially less severe.

a significant challenge

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'challenge', framing the issue as something to be overcome.

a major obstacle

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the difficulty, portraying it as something blocking progress.

a critical issue

Highlights the importance and urgency of the difficulty.

a dire predicament

Conveys a sense of danger and urgency associated with the difficulty.

a severe setback

Focuses on the negative impact of the difficulty, indicating a hindrance to progress.

a tough situation

Offers a more informal and general way to describe a difficult circumstance.

a thorny issue

Presents the difficulty as complex and potentially causing disagreement or conflict.

a considerable hardship

Emphasizes the burden and suffering caused by the difficulty.

a substantial impediment

Highlights the obstructive nature of the difficulty, suggesting it hinders progress or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a grave difficulty" to describe a serious problem or challenge. For example, "The company faced "a grave difficulty" when the main supplier went bankrupt."

What are some alternatives to saying "a grave difficulty"?

Alternatives to "a grave difficulty" include "a serious problem", "a significant challenge", or "a major obstacle", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a grave difficulty"?

No, it's not always appropriate. The phrase "a grave difficulty" implies a high level of seriousness. Use it when the situation genuinely warrants such a description. Otherwise, consider less intense alternatives.

What makes "a grave difficulty" different from a regular difficulty?

The word "grave" indicates that the difficulty is severe, serious, and potentially threatening. A regular difficulty might simply be a minor inconvenience or easily resolved issue, whereas "a grave difficulty" suggests deeper and more concerning implications.