a temporary difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a temporary difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or problem that is not permanent and is expected to be resolved in the near future. Example: "We are currently facing a temporary difficulty with our supply chain, but we are working hard to resolve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At the time the body's director Nicholas Serota said: "You don't abandon your friends because they have what we consider to be a temporary difficulty".

Independent

If that was the only problem a bank had — if there was a temporary difficulty in raising money to reassure depositors but the underlying loans were solid — then a bailout could work with little or no long-term cost.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The aim, sensible enough, was to give breathing room to borrowers in temporary difficulty because of a shock that originated thousands of miles away in America's housing market.

The Economist

If this is a temporary technical difficulty with that database, is it of use to the reader to know of the delay?

Biology Direct

Some may have temporary difficulty walking; others may develop permanent paralysis.

The New York Times - Health

Several hours before presentation, he had temporary difficulty in swallowing which resolved after drinking some water.

Surgical Case Reports

Only one patient reported temporary difficulty with ejaculation.

British Journal of Cancer

The people he gathered at the top of his movement were a motley crew of former Christian Democrats and socialists, with a few rogue communists-turned-conservatives – united not so much by a set of ideas as by Berlusconi's success story: his ability to overcome temporary difficulties, bounce back and gain the approval of a large part of the country again and again.

The Guardian - Opinion

A high level of short-term external debt relative to a government's stock of reserves means an economy lacks the means to tide borrowers through temporary difficulties.

The Economist

Rather than focus on flaws that one partner might see in another's involvement at a given time, we emphasized positive solutions to what we considered temporary difficulties.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Unemployment and sickness benefits are provided for persons in temporary difficulties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a temporary difficulty", ensure that the context clearly indicates the expected duration or resolution timeframe. This helps to manage expectations and provide reassurance.

Common error

Avoid using "a temporary difficulty" to describe problems that have long-term consequences or uncertain resolutions. This can downplay the seriousness of the situation and erode trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a temporary difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "temporary" modifies the noun "difficulty". It typically serves to identify and categorize a challenge or problem that is not expected to be permanent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a temporary difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a short-term challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's commonly found in news, science, and business contexts, serving to reassure and manage expectations. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the claim of temporality to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like "a short-term setback" or "a passing problem" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a passing problem

Focuses on the transient nature of the issue.

a short-term setback

Emphasizes the temporary hindrance to progress.

a momentary challenge

Highlights the brief duration and demanding nature of the situation.

a transient issue

Underscores the fleeting nature of the problem.

a fleeting complication

Highlights the brief and intricate nature of the difficulty.

a brief struggle

Emphasizes the short duration and effort required to overcome the issue.

a temporal snag

Highlights the time-bound and obstructive nature of the difficulty.

a limited hurdle

Stresses the finite nature and obstructiveness of the difficulty.

a provisional impediment

Highlights the temporary and hindering nature of the difficulty.

a short-lived adversity

Emphasizes the brief duration and challenging nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a temporary difficulty" to describe a situation that is expected to resolve soon. For example, "The company is experiencing "a temporary difficulty" with its supply chain, but expects to resume normal operations next week."

What are some alternatives to "a temporary difficulty"?

Alternatives include "a short-term setback", "a passing problem", or "a momentary challenge" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a temporary difficulty" in formal writing?

Yes, "a temporary difficulty" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business or academic contexts where a neutral and professional tone is preferred. However, assess your writing context before choosing this term.

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

"A temporary difficulty" suggests a short-term issue that is not expected to have lasting consequences, while "a major problem" implies a significant and potentially long-lasting issue.