after much difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after much difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something was achieved or completed only after facing significant challenges or obstacles. Example: "After much difficulty, she finally managed to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

She walked several miles to the scene of battle, found her uncle after much difficulty, and learned that he was mortally wounded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A Seattle businessman went halves on it with Harris, and in 1934, after much difficulty, the moonlighting professor won a patent, but by then he understood that financially the project was far beyond him and his friends.

The New Yorker

"I thought, 'Oh, what have I done?' " He flew to Hong Kong to meet with Mr. Chan, star of the 1998 sleeper hit "Rush Hour," and then to Beijing, where some of the opening scenes were eventually shot in the Forbidden City, after much difficulty.

The New York Times

After much difficulty and delay, he secures a ride north to West 155th Street, "where no taxi driver believes you want to go if you're white," and finds himself stranded there after visiting the home of the Hispanic Society of America.

The New York Times

(6) When after much difficulty, now crawling and now clambering, he [Pontius Cominius] had at last reached the top..

University of Chicago

6 As for the Aradii, they were afraid they would have to pay the penalty for their boldness against Antony, and so would not come to terms with him, though they were captured by others after much difficulty.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

After having so much difficulty tracking down a job back in France, it was just nice to find a team of researchers that shared her interests.

Science Magazine

On Sunday, Buehler reiterated he was able to move on after the game without much difficulty.

Los Angeles Times

"It is very difficult to distinguish [Neilson's claim] from the specification of a patent for a principle, and this at first created in the minds of some of the court much difficulty; but after full consideration, we think that the plaintiff does not merely claim a principle, but a machine embodying a principle, and a very valuable one.

Harvard University

They were soon contriving openings without too much difficulty, and even after the first few of Francillon's interventions –a brave, lunging save from Mazzola's volley, a straining deflection of Facchetti's shot, the dramatic blocking of another from Chinaglia – we were still obliged to believe that the deluge was imminent.

The Guardian - Sport

This time they made the bonus but only with much difficulty as James took control after Clermont had turned round trailing by four points.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "after considerable struggle" or "following great challenges" for variety and to avoid repetition within a text.

Common error

Avoid using "after much difficulty" without specifying the nature of the difficulty. Be specific about the challenges faced to provide context and enhance clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after much difficulty" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the circumstances under which an action was performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a situation where something was achieved despite considerable obstacles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after much difficulty" is a grammatically sound and functionally versatile adverbial phrase. As Ludwig AI states, it effectively conveys that an action was completed only after significant challenges were overcome. While categorized as "Uncommon" in frequency, it appears across diverse contexts including News & Media and Academia, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the difficulty encountered to enhance the impact and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after a great deal of effort

Emphasizes the effort expended, focusing less on the inherent difficulty.

following considerable struggle

Highlights the struggle involved, suggesting a more prolonged challenge.

with considerable effort

Focuses on the effort required, shifting the emphasis from the difficulty itself.

after overcoming significant obstacles

Specifically points out the obstacles that had to be surpassed.

only with great exertion

Underscores the high level of exertion necessary to achieve the result.

with painstaking labor

Emphasizes the meticulous and arduous nature of the work involved.

following a tortuous path

Implies a complicated and difficult process with many twists and turns.

after a hard-won victory

Highlights the achievement of a positive outcome despite the challenges.

not without a struggle

Indicates that the task was completed, but only after facing challenges.

at the cost of considerable trouble

Highlights the problematic experience and issues along the way

FAQs

How can I use "after much difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "after much difficulty" to indicate that a task was completed despite significant obstacles. For example: "After much difficulty, the team finally secured the funding."

What are some alternatives to "after much difficulty"?

Some alternatives include "after a great deal of effort", "following considerable struggle", or "with considerable effort" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "after much difficulty" or "after many difficulties"?

"After much difficulty" generally refers to a prolonged or significant challenge, whereas "after many difficulties" suggests multiple distinct problems. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "after much difficulty" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "after much difficulty" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and conveys a clear meaning. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise alternative might be more effective.