a lot of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lot of difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a significant amount of trouble or challenges faced in a particular situation. Example: "She had a lot of difficulty understanding the complex mathematical concepts presented in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And you end up in a lot of difficulty.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A lot of difficulty in the coding was in the parsing of the GPS data.

Cornell University

"There was a lot of difficulty for them to accept the situation.

The Guardian

He used to have a lot of difficulty going into a service station.

The New Yorker

If it gets a lot worse we could be in a lot of difficulty".

Independent

"He lost a lot of weight, he had a lot of difficulty breathing.

The New York Times - Sports

"We had a lot of difficulty stopping them," Coach Tom Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

'The first few years, I had a lot of difficulty with the voice.

The Guardian - Books

"We have a lot of difficulty clearing the airwaves for a message".

The New York Times

The technical difficulty of the paper also caused me a lot of difficulty to get it working.

Stanford University

All they can do at the moment is defending en masse and with a lot of difficulty.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lot of difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific task or situation is causing the difficulty to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on "a lot of difficulty" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "considerable challenges" or "significant problems" for a more nuanced and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lot of difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing the extent of problems encountered, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lot of difficulty" is a common and acceptable way to express that someone is facing significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context clearly defines the source of the difficulty. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives such as "considerable challenges" or "significant problems", especially in formal writing. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, solidifying its place as a reliable and readily understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant problems

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the issues.

considerable challenges

Emphasizes the magnitude of the difficulties faced.

struggle

Suggests a prolonged and effortful attempt to overcome difficulty.

major obstacles

Focuses on the barriers hindering progress.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the intimidating nature of the difficulty.

substantial hurdles

Similar to obstacles, but perhaps implying a series of challenges.

severe complications

Focuses on the negative consequences arising from the difficulty.

arduous task

Highlights the demanding nature of the undertaking.

tough time

More informal way of expressing difficulty.

hardship

Implies suffering or deprivation due to the difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lot of difficulty" to describe a situation where someone is facing considerable challenges or problems, for example: "She had "a lot of difficulty" understanding the lecture."

What are some alternatives to saying "a lot of difficulty"?

Alternatives include "considerable challenges", "significant problems", or "major obstacles", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "a lot of difficulty" or "a lot of difficulties"?

"A lot of difficulty" is used when referring to a general challenge. "A lot of difficulties" is used when referring to many distinct challenges. For example, "He overcame "a lot of difficulties" during his recovery."

What is the difference between "a lot of difficulty" and "some difficulty"?

"A lot of difficulty" suggests a significant level of challenge, while "some difficulty" implies a lesser degree of trouble or effort required.