a world of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a world of difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or context that is filled with challenges or obstacles. Example: "Starting a new business can be a world of difficulty, but the rewards can be worth the effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I hope that, following my meetings, I will have the confidence to go back to my country, back to others in the European Union, and argue that change in Burma is irreversible; in a world of difficulty and darkness and all sorts of problems, here is one bright light we should encourage".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

To his surprise it happened very simply," the reader would sense a world of mental difficulty, in which trains may not always fit properly into tunnels and a teen-age boy may not always negotiate the exiting of a train.

The New Yorker

To postulate that P ≠ NP, as Fortnow does, is to allow for a world of mystery, difficulty, and frustration — but also of discovery and inquiry, of pleasures pleasingly delayed.

The New Yorker

"Songs of Sorrow," perhaps his best-known poem, is an extended lament for a world of African difficulty and hardship, replete with foreboding of latent chronic violence of the sort that erupted on Saturday in Nairobi.

The New York Times

In a world of ambiguity and difficulty, having something easy and reliable, which consistently works how you want it to, is a blessed relief.

Huffington Post

Some people don't see a world of opportunity that comes from difficulties.

Huffington Post

Americans, he declared, were "Hobbesians", at ease with the use of force; Europeans were "Kantians", yearning for a world of perpetual peace in which all difficulties are settled by multilateral discussion.

The Economist

He did not have difficulty living in a world of images and symbols.

The New Yorker

There are also certain difficulties associated with a world of perfect recollection.

The New York Times

In Mr. Busko's case, stimulant medication made a world of difference, but I suspect that the difficulties he experienced over the course of his life were instructive and galvanized him to excel once he was able to sustain focus.

The New York Times

In his art, the wit and the irony are ways of reflecting the difficulties of the world while hanging on to his sanity — instruments of reason in a world of madness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "a world of difficulty" to evoke a sense of overwhelming adversity or complexity, setting a tone that resonates with readers by illustrating the magnitude of the challenges faced by characters or entities.

Common error

Avoid using "a world of difficulty" when simpler phrases like "difficult" or "challenging" suffice. Overusing the phrase in straightforward situations can sound exaggerated or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a world of difficulty" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation or context characterized by numerous and significant challenges. This phrase is often used to emphasize the scale and complexity of the difficulties involved, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a world of difficulty" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe situations filled with significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of complexity and adversity. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like "a challenging environment" or "a complex situation" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. However, be mindful of the context to avoid overusing the phrase in situations where simpler language would suffice. Understanding its function, purpose, and typical usage patterns can empower writers to use "a world of difficulty" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging environment

Focuses on the environment being challenging, rather than the presence of difficulty itself.

a complex situation

Emphasizes the complexity of the situation, implying difficulty as a consequence.

a difficult landscape

Uses 'landscape' metaphorically to suggest challenges in a particular field or area.

a minefield of problems

Uses 'minefield' as a metaphor to express a high concentration of potential issues.

a quagmire of issues

Uses 'quagmire' to describe a situation that is complex, hazardous, and difficult to escape from.

a sea of troubles

Uses 'sea' as a metaphor to describe an overwhelming amount of problems.

a host of challenges

Focuses on the abundance of challenges, rather than the difficulty.

an intricate web of complexities

Highlights the interconnected and complicated nature of the difficulties involved.

a problematic scenario

Suggests a situation that presents problems, although the intensity of difficulty might vary.

a trial by fire

Implies a severe test of one's abilities or resilience under very difficult circumstances.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe something as "a world of difficulty"?

Describing something as "a world of difficulty" suggests that it involves a multitude of challenges and obstacles, often creating a complex and overwhelming situation.

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

You can use alternatives like "a challenging environment", "a complex situation", or "a difficult landscape" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a world of difficulty"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is used to emphasize the extent of challenges involved.

How formal is the phrase "a world of difficulty"?

The phrase is relatively neutral in formality and can be used in various contexts, from news reports to creative writing. However, it's important to consider the audience and choose language that best suits the context.