a persistent difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persistent difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenge or problem that continues over time and does not easily resolve. Example: "Despite numerous attempts to address the issue, we are still facing a persistent difficulty in meeting our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Therefore, it remains a persistent difficulty to accurately predict laminate failure under combined loading by using either unidirectional composite (ply) data or with basic constituent material properties.

Multi-Scale Modelling of Composite Material Systems The Art of Predictive Damage Modelling

Developmental dyslexia is a persistent difficulty in learning to read despite adequate intelligence and schooling; it has high prevalence and a familial and genetic risk (e.g., Gabrieli 2009).

Cerebral Cortex

As the HIV/AIDS pandemic has evolved, reliable assignment of cause of death for people who have lived with the infection has been a persistent difficulty.

Global Health Action

While there are some variations in the reported patterns of cognitive change, presumably linked to variations in additional pathology, the core change is a persistent difficulty in learning new episodic information.

European Journal of Neuroscience

A persistent difficulty in applying this strategy in plant breeding is that many (but not all) single genes which confer strong resistance conform to the gene-for-gene relationship, while most gene-for-gene resistances (but not all) are readily overcome by the target pathogens (Poland et al., 2008; Mundt, 2014).

Fungal Genetics and Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In more advanced COPD the extra-pulmonary pathology starts to contribute to disease severity and a vicious circle of persistent difficulty to treat inflammation.

BMJ Open

The only negative element was L.'s persistent difficulty with a piece of equipment that broke down and was sent off for repairs several times.

Science Magazine

The emerging awareness of ED as an early warning for vascular health and possibly of silent CAD represents a unique opportunity to improve preventive cardiovascular health in all adult men who have persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection [ 14].

Disease Markers

These warning signs were unexplained lump or swelling; persistent, unexplained pain; unexplained bleeding; persistent cough or hoarseness; change in bowel or bladder habits; persistent difficulty in swallowing; change in the appearance of a mole; sore that does not heal; unexplained night sweats; unexplained weight loss; and unexplained tiredness.

BMC Cancer

People are diagnosed with PTSD after exposure to a trauma if they experience a strong emotional response to the event that is followed by persistent difficulty in three key areas, including reexperiencing (e.g., nightmares, flashbacks), arousal (e.g., startle response, sleep disturbance), and avoidance (e.g., withdrawal from people, places, and other reminders of the trauma).

Alcohol research : current reviews

Sleep disturbances can also lead to negative consequences, such as dysphoric mood and impaired cognitive function, while persistent difficulty with concentration or cognitive tasks is indicative of a mood disorder [ 7].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a problem, clearly identify what makes "a persistent difficulty" particularly challenging or impactful in the given context. For example, specify how it affects progress, resources, or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "a persistent difficulty" as a generic placeholder. Instead, elaborate on the specific nature of the difficulty and its consequences to provide a clearer and more informative message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a persistent difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage by showing its applicability in various contexts, effectively labeling a recurring problem or challenge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a persistent difficulty" is a noun phrase used to describe a challenge that continues to occur despite efforts to resolve it. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage in English, highlighting its prevalence in scientific, news, and formal contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to use the phrase with specificity, avoiding vagueness by elaborating on the nature and impact of the difficulty. Alternatives like "an ongoing challenge" or "a recurring issue" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. Keep in mind that this phrase carries a formal tone and is more commonly found in professional and academic writings, as pointed out by authoritative sources such as The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ongoing challenge

Focuses on the continuous nature of the problem.

a recurring issue

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the problem.

a chronic problem

Suggests a long-lasting and potentially worsening issue.

a continuing struggle

Highlights the effort required to deal with the difficulty.

an enduring obstacle

Emphasizes the lasting and obstructive nature of the difficulty.

a stubborn challenge

Focuses on how hard it is to solve the challenge.

a never-ending battle

Highlights the aspect of the fight and perseverance required by the difficulty.

a tough situation

It's a general way to reference the difficulty.

a hard time

Refers to experiencing hardship when facing this difficulty.

an uphill battle

Presents the difficulty as a climb against an adverse force.

FAQs

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

You can use "a persistent difficulty" to describe an ongoing problem that is hard to resolve. For example: "Finding qualified candidates remains "a persistent difficulty" for our company."

What are some alternatives to "a persistent difficulty"?

Some alternatives include "an ongoing challenge", "a recurring issue", or "a chronic problem". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "a persistent difficulty" rather than a simple problem?

The term "a persistent difficulty" suggests that the problem has lasted for some time and has resisted previous attempts to fix it, unlike a simple problem that can be easily resolved.

Is it better to use "persistent difficulties" or "a persistent difficulty"?

Use "a persistent difficulty" when referring to a single, specific issue. Use "persistent difficulties" when referring to multiple, related problems. For example: "The company faced "persistent difficulties" with supply chain logistics."