a kind of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"a kind of difficulty" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific type or category of challenge or obstacle. Some examples of when it could be used include: - "Learning a new language can be a kind of difficulty for many people." - "Finding a job in this market is a kind of difficulty that many recent graduates face." - "Trying to understand complex mathematical equations can be a kind of difficulty for students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Paris Review editors Lorin Stein and Sadie Stein on the state of the short story: "They've come to stand for a kind of difficulty, emotional difficulty, that we are in danger of losing when we fetishize the charms of the long novel".

The New Yorker

Retro tried to make the game "accesible to all players", but with a "kind of difficulty that made players want to try it again".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Albert L. Lord, the chairman of Sallie Mae's parent company, the SLM Corporation, said at a shareholders' meeting on Thursday that "the company is not in any kind of difficulty and I don't think anyone else is in the kind of difficulty I understand it would take to get a judge to move more quickly than judges normally move, unfortunately".

The New York Times

'I never felt any kind of difficulty from Don over the differences between us,' he says.

The Guardian - Sport

I could see how unprepared we are to receive students with any kind of difficulty.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The GIPD was designed to reflect any kind of difficulty perceived as such by the rater (patient, parent, physician).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

"There is a kind of tension, a difficulty that has to be resolved by not locking people into the traditional and authentic architecture," said Samuel Sidibé, the director of Mali's National Museum in Bamako, the capital.

The New York Times

Its resolution involves love, which, in Apatow's view, is no renunciation or simplification, but just another mode of difficulty, a kind of fulfillment that emerges from characters who are already formed and who merely put themselves and each other to new tests.

The New Yorker

No doubt the reader is also meant to take Pota's difficulties in writing another novel as a kind of comment on the difficulties Heller faced himself: always worrying about repeating himself, always being compared to his younger self.

The New York Times - Books

A vast arc of glass with an upswept front awning, it is a kind of monument to the difficulty of predicting the future.

The New Yorker

Augiéras later provided in his writings different and contradictory clues as to the exact location of the painted bunker, in a kind of treasure hunt whose difficulty probably beats understanding even the most convoluted scenes in Mr. Lacuesta's movie.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a kind of difficulty", specify the nature of the difficulty to provide clarity. For instance, instead of saying "it presented a kind of difficulty", consider "it presented a kind of emotional difficulty".

Common error

Avoid using "a kind of difficulty" without further context. Overgeneralizing can make your writing vague. Always aim to provide specific details about the nature of the difficulty to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a kind of difficulty" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type or instance of a problem or challenge. It is used to categorize or classify a difficulty, as seen in the Ludwig examples, where it refers to emotional challenges, unexpected problems, or abstract difficulties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a kind of difficulty" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to categorize various challenges or problems. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common phrase that appears in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business writing. While the phrase is valid, it's generally best practice to specify the nature of the difficulty to enhance clarity, rather than leaving it vague. Alternatives such as "a specific form of adversity" or "a particular type of problem" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality. Remember, clarity and specificity are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain level of challenge

Replaces "kind of difficulty" with a more general expression of challenge, focusing on the degree or extent.

a particular type of problem

Substitutes "difficulty" with "problem", emphasizing the problematic nature of the situation.

a specific form of adversity

Uses more formal language, replacing "difficulty" with "adversity" to denote a more significant challenge.

a unique set of obstacles

Highlights the distinctiveness of the challenges involved.

a special case of hardship

Emphasizes the severity of the difficulty, portraying it as a form of hardship.

a noteworthy degree of complexity

Focuses on the intricate nature of the difficulty, describing it in terms of complexity.

a significant degree of struggle

Highlights the effort and struggle involved in overcoming the difficulty.

a tough situation to navigate

Emphasizes the difficulty in managing or dealing with the situation.

a complex situation to overcome

Highlights a complex scenario instead of a direct difficulty.

a formidable hurdle to clear

Uses a metaphorical expression, portraying the difficulty as a hurdle that needs to be overcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a kind of difficulty" to describe a specific type of problem or challenge. For example, "The project presented "a kind of difficulty" we hadn't anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "a kind of difficulty"?

Alternatives include "a certain level of challenge", "a particular type of problem", or "a specific form of adversity", depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a kind of difficulty"?

While "a kind of difficulty" is grammatically correct, being more specific can improve clarity. Instead of saying "it was "a kind of difficulty"", try specifying the type of difficulty, such as "it was an emotional challenge".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a kind of difficulty"?

It is appropriate when you want to generally categorize a challenge without going into excessive detail. However, ensure that the surrounding context provides enough information to understand the nature of the difficulty you're referring to.