a list of difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a list of difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a compilation of challenges or obstacles that need to be addressed or considered. Example: "In our meeting, we will discuss a list of difficulties that our team has encountered during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She cites two advantages of working in Lebanon well-educated empLebanon well-educatedlocation—bemployeesling off andist of difficulties.Small, centraland overregulocation before mareeling tiny.

The Economist

One chimpanzee conservationist I spoke with, who has been studying wild populations for decades, called the entire plan "far-fetched" citing a list of difficulties, not the least of which would be developing a system to get a successful vaccine into thousands of chimpanzees who have no interest in receiving it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In column one write your interests and abilities (What are you good at?) In column two make a list of your difficulties and weaknesses.

WikiHow

This is a list of level of difficulty to stun grip this character.

WikiHow

Yet none of this is to deny that Miss Megawati now faces a daunting list of difficulties, from separatism to economic stagnation (see article).One large uncertainty that remains after Mr Wahid's departure is the influence of the army.

The Economist

A long list of difficulties that are usually encountered by optimization engineers when trying to troubleshoot the operation of a gas lifted well is described in detail at the beginning or the chapter, followed by the description of the many causes and corrective actions for possible failures and/or loss of lifting efficiency.

Fundamentals of Gas Lift Engineering Well Design and Troubleshooting

That was a big list of "difficulties" Nair has with #OscarPistorius story.

BBC

The FAPC (Fisher 1976) comprises a list of 25 possible difficulties or behaviors, for example, "Is easily distracted by background noise".

Ear and Hearing

Your dad is more than a list of problems and difficulties.

WikiHow

With a list of important experimental design difficulties as the target (Table 1), the first criterion for selecting such assessments was whether publishers claim that a test probes for the difficulties documented in the literature.

CBE Life Sciences Education

In terms of the study sample, although it was drawn randomly from a list of active CAMHS clients, difficulties in contacting people from the list possibly led to the sample being higher functioning than a true random sample.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a list of difficulties", prioritize clarity and conciseness. Group related issues together and use specific language to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague or broad statements when listing difficulties. Instead of saying "lack of resources", specify what resources are lacking and the impact of that deficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a list of difficulties" functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It introduces a compilation of obstacles, challenges, or problematic elements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a list of difficulties" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to introduce a series of challenges or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While alternatives like "a list of challenges" or "a series of setbacks" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, clarity and conciseness are key to effectively communicate the nature and scope of the challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a list of challenges

This alternative replaces "difficulties" with "challenges", implying a slightly more proactive and potentially surmountable set of obstacles.

a catalog of problems

Replacing "list" with "catalog" suggests a more extensive and detailed compilation of issues.

a series of setbacks

This phrase emphasizes the sequential nature of the difficulties, highlighting their impact on progress.

a range of obstacles

Using "range" instead of "list" suggests a diverse and varied set of impediments.

a set of complications

This alternative focuses on the intricate and complex nature of the difficulties.

a litany of woes

This phrase uses a more dramatic term, "woes", implying significant distress or suffering caused by the difficulties.

a spectrum of issues

This alternative suggests a broad and varied set of problems.

an inventory of snags

This uses a more informal term "snags" for difficulties, making it more suitable for casual contexts.

a collection of hurdles

Replaces difficulties with hurdles, suggesting a set of obstacles that need to be overcome.

a host of predicaments

This alternative uses "predicaments", implying a troublesome or perplexing situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a list of difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "a list of difficulties" to introduce a series of challenges or problems. For example, "The project manager presented "a list of difficulties" the team was facing".

What are some alternatives to saying "a list of difficulties"?

Alternatives include "a list of challenges", "a series of setbacks", or "a range of obstacles".

Is it better to use "difficulties" or "challenges" in "a list of difficulties"?

While both are acceptable, "difficulties" suggests inherent problems, while "challenges" implies opportunities for overcoming obstacles. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a list of difficulties" and "a set of problems"?

"A list of difficulties" is often used in more formal or professional settings and emphasizes the troublesomeness or problematic parts of a thing. "A set of problems" can be more common in everyday conversations.