a touch of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or slight amount of challenge or hardship in a situation. Example: "The project was interesting, but it came with a touch of difficulty that required extra effort from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I breast-stroked with a touch of difficulty given his added weight but made it, aware that I was being watched by a cluster of Euro-babes on the other raft.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet there was a touch of wariness about the difficulties of finding £50,000 a year from kirk congregations from Arnott on Monday, when he said: It is crucial that the Scottish community stands together to ensure that no vulnerable Scot in London is without the support they need.

The Guardian

Apart from a touch of writer's block, and difficulties over complex income tax liabilities, these were golden years for him.

The Guardian - Books

The written marks attempt to add a touch of human individuality, as you can visualize their indecisiveness and difficulty in answering the question at hand.

Vice

"The degree of difficulty in creating a space that size!" he added, a touch of awe in his voice.

The New York Times - Magazine

"A touch of a roadhouse.

The New York Times - Magazine

And a touch of frustration.

The New York Times

7. "A Touch of Sin".

The New Yorker

A touch of sweetness lingers.

The New York Times - Food

A touch of class.

The Guardian - Sport

"A touch of period".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of difficulty" to subtly acknowledge challenges without exaggerating them. It's suitable for contexts where a problem exists, but is not overwhelming.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of difficulty" when the situation involves significant or major problems. This phrase is best reserved for describing minor inconveniences or complexities, not severe hardships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of difficulty" functions as a qualifier, adding a nuance to a situation by indicating a slight challenge or complexity. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests a problem exists but is not overwhelming. The examples on Ludwig illustrate this by using the phrase to soften or downplay the severity of a situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch of difficulty" is a phrase used to denote a slight challenge or problem, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a qualifier to soften negative situations, suitable for neutral to formal contexts. The phrase is relatively rare but useful when acknowledging a problem without overstating its severity. While grammatically correct, writers should avoid using it for major issues, reserving it for minor inconveniences or complexities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A slight challenge

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

A hint of trouble

Substitutes "difficulty" with "trouble", indicating a small amount of problems or complications.

A shade of complexity

Replaces "difficulty" with "complexity", focusing on the slightly intricate aspect of the situation.

A trace of hardship

Substitutes "difficulty" with "hardship", highlighting a minor level of adversity or suffering.

A degree of adversity

Replaces "touch" with "degree" and "difficulty" with "adversity", indicating a certain level of unfavorable conditions.

A whisper of struggle

Substitutes "difficulty" with "struggle", emphasizing a minor effort or fight against something.

A spot of bother

Replaces "difficulty" with "bother", indicating a small amount of inconvenience or annoyance.

A dash of complication

Replaces "difficulty" with "complication", focusing on a slightly complex or intricate element.

A small impediment

Replaces "touch of difficulty" with a noun phrase, suggesting a minor obstruction or hindrance.

A modicum of strain

Replaces "difficulty" with "strain", emphasizing a slight tension or pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "a touch of difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "a touch of difficulty" to describe a situation where there is a slight challenge or problem, such as, "The project was successful, but there was "a touch of difficulty" in coordinating all the team members".

What are some alternatives to "a touch of difficulty"?

Some alternatives include "a slight challenge", "a hint of trouble", or "a shade of complexity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a touch of difficulty" formal or informal?

"A touch of difficulty" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it's more common in written rather than spoken communication.

What is the difference between "a touch of difficulty" and "a major problem"?

"A touch of difficulty" implies a minor issue that requires some effort to overcome, while "a major problem" suggests a significant obstacle that could seriously hinder progress or success. Use "a touch of difficulty" when you want to downplay the severity of a problem.