a small difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor problem or challenge that is not overly serious. Example: "I encountered a small difficulty while trying to access the database, but I was able to resolve it quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They are promising to cut it down to size and fast.They do, however, face a small difficulty.

The Economist

At this stage, if you're filleting sea bass or gurnard, you'll encounter a small difficulty: the rib cage (at the head end of the fillet) bulges out a bit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

4. Heinrich XI, of Greiz: 77 years, 103 days  (17 March 1723 to 17 March 1723) 5. Idris ibni Muhammad al-Qadri, of Tunku Besar of��Tampin (Malaysia): 76 years, 239 days (31 May 1929 to 26 December 2005) There is a small difficulty around establishing al-Qadri's reign over the small region in Malaysia.

Independent

Losing what you thought was your financial security blanket is not a small difficulty.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

His signature move, the Orochinagi, was given a mid-air variation for The King of Fighters XIII with designers keeping in mind the concept of coolnesss as well as its small difficulty in performing it.

Wikipedia

In a small percentage, difficulties with language, executive functions, perception (agnosia), or execution of movements (apraxia) are more prominent than memory problems.

Wikipedia

The 17 PROs (items listed in Additional file 1: Appendix) assess various vision-related quality of life dimensions using ratings of the following four concepts: Difficulty: e.g. " Do you have difficulty reading small print?" (No difficulty at all = 0, A little difficulty = 1, Moderate difficulty = 2, Very difficult = 3, Unable to do = 4, Don't do for reasons other than sight/not applicable = 5).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Indeed, the problems which a company can encounter must be analysed as a continuous and cumulative process: the failure starts with small difficulties which are gradually transformed into more serious problems.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Challenges and benefits of working abroad are often one and the same; it's the small difficulties like navigating streets and social situations in an unfamiliar place that can build your confidence, ultimately having a subtle but tangible effect on whatever field of work you're in.

The Guardian

When warning signs are ignored or not pursued, small difficulties will develop into crises.

The Guardian

"I have come to understand the genius, really the genius it took in this construction when I think about all our small difficulties," Mr. Jarnias said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small difficulty" when you want to downplay the severity of a problem, suggesting it's easily manageable or not a cause for serious concern. This phrasing is particularly useful in professional or neutral communications where maintaining a composed tone is important.

Common error

Avoid using "a small difficulty" when the issue is actually substantial. It can undermine your credibility if you minimize genuine concerns or challenges. Be honest about the magnitude of the problem to ensure appropriate attention and resources are allocated for resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small difficulty" functions as a noun phrase that describes a problem or challenge. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating something encountered or dealt with. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small difficulty" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in written English, indicating a minor problem or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, and its primary function is to downplay the severity of an issue. While less common overall, it serves as a neutral way to maintain composure when acknowledging problems without exaggerating them. Alternatives include "a minor problem" and "a slight setback". However, it's crucial to avoid using it to mask significant problems, as this can undermine your credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor problem

Uses a more common and straightforward term for a difficulty.

a minor inconvenience

Replaces "difficulty" with a more casual term, suggesting a slight disruption rather than a significant problem.

a minor complication

Suggests a slight increase in complexity.

a slight setback

Focuses on the hindering aspect, implying a temporary delay or obstacle.

a little snag

An informal way to describe a small unexpected problem.

a trivial issue

Emphasizes the unimportance of the problem.

a light challenge

Indicates that the difficulty is not severe.

a temporary hiccup

Implies a brief and easily resolved interruption.

a manageable challenge

Highlights the feasibility of overcoming the difficulty.

a modest impediment

A more formal way to express a small obstacle.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a small difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor problem", "a slight setback", or "a trivial issue" depending on the context.

How to use "a small difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a minor problem or challenge, for example: "We encountered a small difficulty during the project, but we managed to overcome it quickly."

Which is correct, "a small difficulty" or "a little difficulty"?

Both "a small difficulty" and "a little difficulty" are correct and can be used interchangeably, though "a small difficulty" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "a small difficulty" and "a major problem"?

"A small difficulty" implies a minor issue that is easily resolved, while "a major problem" indicates a significant issue that requires substantial effort to address.