a perpetual difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perpetual difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem or challenge that is ongoing and does not seem to have a resolution. Example: "The team has been facing a perpetual difficulty in meeting project deadlines due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Dealing with uncertainties and lack of knowledge about problems and situations, there is a perpetual difficulty to evaluate the situations and action values in all time steps.

Expert Systems with Applications

However, it presents a perpetual difficulty in numerical analysis, essentially since "max" is not invertible.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is what you get when freedom is championed "at the expense of meaning, value and pleasure": the perpetual difficulty of distinguishing between art and porn and ultimately "a breakdown of the distinction between high and low culture".

The New York Times - Books

He added "the perpetual difficulty of West Ham is its poverty, it is rich only in its population".

The Guardian

The new book is also an account of the perpetual difficulties of making a living while writing books, throwing a nice, if somewhat slanting, light on what seems to be the still greater difficulties of these times.

The New Yorker

Therefore, whereas a priori reason and Christian Scripture point toward monotheism (Bayle's first principle), a posteriori reason raises perpetual difficulties for this picture in light of the way the world actually is (Bayle's second principle).

SEP

Finally, Kavanagh's meticulous reporting of the adolescent antics and the transgressive sex life ends up overpowering any discussion of Nureyev's art, demonstrating one of the perpetual difficulties of writing about dance and its practitioners.

The New York Times - Books

Therefore, insomnia patients may be in a perpetual cycle of hyperarousal and increased sensitivity to sensory stimulation, which may lead to difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep.

BioMed Research International

The greater difficulty was that the Stooges live in a world without consequences, in a perpetual present tense.

The New Yorker

I'm a perpetual student".

The New York Times - Arts

He wears a perpetual scowl.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a perpetual difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates the continuous or recurring nature of the problem you are describing. This adds emphasis to the ongoing struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "a perpetual difficulty" to describe trivial or easily resolvable issues. The phrase is best reserved for significant, ongoing challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perpetual difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a problem or challenge that is ongoing and seemingly never-ending. Ludwig AI highlights examples where it's used to describe challenges in various domains, such as numerical analysis or evaluating situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a perpetual difficulty" is a noun phrase used to describe an ongoing, seemingly endless problem. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase, while grammatically correct, is relatively rare in usage. It appears in both news media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral formality level. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly conveys the persistent nature of the problem. Consider alternatives like "a constant challenge" or "an ongoing problem" for similar meanings. The phrase is suitable for formal writing but should be reserved for significant, continuous challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a constant challenge

This alternative focuses on the continuous nature of the difficulty.

an ongoing problem

This phrase emphasizes the unresolved nature of the difficulty.

a persistent issue

This alternative highlights the recurring aspect of the difficulty.

a continuing struggle

This phrase stresses the effort required to deal with the difficulty.

an endless battle

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe the ongoing nature of the difficulty.

a never-ending problem

This phrase emphasizes the seemingly infinite duration of the difficulty.

a chronic problem

This alternative suggests the difficulty is long-lasting and potentially recurring.

a recurring obstacle

This emphasizes the repetitive appearance of the difficulty.

a long-standing issue

This alternative highlights that the difficulty has existed for a considerable time.

a relentless challenge

This focuses on the intensity and persistence of the difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a perpetual difficulty" to describe a problem that is ongoing and seemingly never-ending. For example, "The company faced "a perpetual difficulty" in retaining skilled employees."

What are some alternatives to "a perpetual difficulty"?

Alternatives include "a constant challenge", "an ongoing problem", or "a persistent issue", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "perpetual difficulty" or "constant difficulty"?

"Perpetual difficulty" emphasizes the unending nature of the problem, while "constant difficulty" simply highlights its continuous presence. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Can "a perpetual difficulty" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a perpetual difficulty" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing persistent and significant challenges. It's found in both news and academic contexts.