a real difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a genuine or significant challenge or problem someone is facing. Example: "The project faced a real difficulty when the main supplier went out of business unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But the text highlights a real difficulty for Cameron.

The Guardian

It was, however, a real difficulty getting the police to take it seriously".

The Guardian

"This shows a real difficulty in dialogue and cooperation," the commission said.

The Guardian

"But there is in the region a real difficulty to identify the way forward".

The New York Times

Crossing them provides a real difficulty for thousands of Palestinians, young and old, who are separated -- one village from another, one neighborhood from another.

Columbia University

A real difficulty these teachers envisioned in teaching about shared British values was that cultural values when internalised are durable and become difficult to change.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Well, there is a very real difficulty there," says Captain Europe, sipping his drink, equivocating.

Vice

Nevertheless, I made myself stop, and I pulled up alongside her — still thinking of this person on the road as a woman, possibly a woman in real difficulty — just to check, at least, that she was all right.

The New Yorker

Students are going to be coming into their own in a period of real difficulty.

University of California, Berkeley

It was a done deal within a year.The real difficulties lay, on the one hand, inside the bank, and on the other, in the shortcomings of international regulation.

The Economist

I think, in fact, that you can argue that a pressing team is always going to have real difficulty against a truly élite team.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a real difficulty", ensure the context clearly explains what makes the difficulty significant. Provide specific details to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a real difficulty" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely pose a substantial challenge or problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable. It serves to identify or describe a substantial problem or challenge.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a real difficulty" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a significant problem or challenge. According to Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for use in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly conveys the specific nature and severity of the difficulty. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overusing it for minor inconveniences. Consider alternatives like "a significant challenge" or "a genuine problem" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A genuine problem

Replaces "difficulty" with a more straightforward term for a problem.

A significant challenge

Substitutes "difficulty" with "challenge", emphasizing the demanding nature of the situation.

A tough situation

Uses a more informal expression to indicate a problematic scenario.

A major obstacle

Replaces "difficulty" with "obstacle", highlighting something that blocks progress.

A considerable impediment

Offers a more formal synonym for "difficulty", suggesting a hindrance.

A thorny issue

Implies a complex and potentially troublesome problem.

A complex matter

Indicates that the difficulty arises from the intricacy of the situation.

A predicament

Suggests a difficult or unpleasant situation.

A hurdle to overcome

Replaces "difficulty" with "hurdle", framing it as something to be surpassed.

A struggle

Emphasizes the effort required to deal with the difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real difficulty" to describe a significant challenge or problem. For example, "The company faced a real difficulty when the main supplier went bankrupt".

What are some alternatives to "a real difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "a genuine problem", "a significant challenge", or "a tough situation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a real difficulty" or "a major challenge"?

Both "a real difficulty" and "a major challenge" are acceptable. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. "A real difficulty" emphasizes the problematic nature, while "a major challenge" highlights the demanding nature.

When is it appropriate to use "a real difficulty"?

"A real difficulty" is appropriate when describing situations that present a substantial and genuine problem or obstacle. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences.