a larger difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a larger difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a problem or challenge that is more significant or complex than others. Example: "While we faced several challenges during the project, we ultimately encountered a larger difficulty that required immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A larger difficulty vexes evolutionary psychologists' sexual speculations in general.

The New Yorker

But there is a larger difficulty in America's reclaiming its former pre-eminence.

The Guardian - Books

A larger difficulty is that the Academy's membership is not particularly diverse: a report in 2012 found that around 94% of its members were white, and more than 77% were male.

The Economist

Sadly, I think this fear speaks to a larger difficulty lurking on the edges of the post-feminist landscape, one not addressable by slogans or demonstrations because it has to do with the intricately complex manner in which we forge our identities.

The New York Times - Magazine

A larger difficulty arises when the ranch foreman reveals to Claire that Minna has been giving peculiar (and much resented) orders to himself and the workers that disrupt the regular care of the trees and lead to failure of the crop.

The New York Times - Books

LG maize cultivar has a larger potential to adapt changing climate, but has a larger difficulty in improving yield because of lower tolerance of high plant density.

Field Crops Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The financial problems of Corrèze reflect a larger national difficulty with budget deficits.

The New York Times

But the larger difficulty facing Pat Mulroy and Peter Binney, as they describe it, is re-engineering the culture and conventions of the West before it becomes too late.

The New York Times - Magazine

This effect represents the larger difficulty that individuals subject to higher technical innovation in the workplace face in order to remain in the labor market.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

But not everyone is satisfied with the markets, and some consider the initiative a cosmetic fix amid larger difficulties around the corner.

The Guardian

Above all, experts say, the difficulties in streamlining ERT are emblematic of the larger difficulties of changing anything in the Greek public sector, a vast web of overlapping and interconnected interest groups, each one dependent on the other for survival.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a larger difficulty" when you want to emphasize that a particular problem is more significant than other related issues. This helps to prioritize the focus of your discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "a larger difficulty" when referring to a simple or easily resolvable issue. Ensure the difficulty genuinely warrants the description of being 'larger' in scope or impact.

Linguistic Context

"A larger difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a problem or challenge that is more substantial or complex than others. Ludwig's examples show it highlights a central issue needing attention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a larger difficulty" is a phrase used to highlight a problem or challenge of significant importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly news, science, and formal business settings. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize the scale of an issue, directing focus to the most critical aspect. While alternatives like "a greater problem" or "a more significant challenge" exist, understanding the specific nuance you want to convey is key. Remember to reserve this phrase for genuinely substantial difficulties to avoid misrepresenting the scope of the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater problem

Focuses more on the magnitude of the issue rather than its inherent difficulty.

a more significant challenge

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the obstacle.

a major obstacle

Highlights the hindering aspect of the difficulty.

a substantial hurdle

Similar to obstacle, but with a connotation of something to be overcome.

a considerable impediment

More formal and emphasizes the hindering effect.

a key complication

Highlights the intricacy and entanglement associated with the issue.

a central snag

Informal term denoting an unexpected or hidden problem.

a primary issue

Focuses on the issue being of main importance or concern.

a fundamental complexity

Highlights the intricacy at the root of the matter.

a principal setback

Emphasizes the regressive effect that the difficulty has.

FAQs

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

You can use "a larger difficulty" to introduce a more significant problem compared to others. For example, "While minor issues arose, we faced "a larger difficulty" in securing funding".

What's a good alternative to "a larger difficulty"?

Alternatives include "a greater problem", "a more significant challenge", or "a major obstacle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what the smaller difficulties are when using "a larger difficulty"?

No, it's not always necessary. You can use "a larger difficulty" even if the smaller difficulties are implied or understood from context. However, providing context can help clarify the relative importance of the difficulty.

What distinguishes "a larger difficulty" from "a difficulty"?

"A larger difficulty" implies a greater scale, impact, or complexity compared to "a difficulty". It suggests that the problem is not only present but also relatively more significant than other related issues.