after some difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after some difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something was achieved or completed, but not without facing challenges or obstacles. Example: "She managed to finish the project after some difficulty, but her hard work paid off in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

After some difficulty, he managed to find his mother's room.

The New Yorker

At last the doctor emerges to tell us that after some difficulty, Edwyn has been ventilated.

The Guardian - Music

A woman climbing with him hiked out on Wednesday, after some difficulty, to alert rangers.

The New York Times

After some difficulty, he finds the key and hides in the chapel just as the busybody Sacristan enters.

Britannica

Anyway, after some difficulty parking, we were tasked with blowing open the front door of the house.

The New Yorker

Their supply of Carnation milk is soon exhausted and after some difficulty the author obtains canned milk from Irland.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But, after some difficulties, he seems to have a good attitude now".

The Guardian

After some difficulties at the beginning, it is now possible to build systems, which operate as designed.

International Journal of Refrigeration

After some difficulties, this institution opened in 1530; it became a centre for higher studies in France and reawakened interest in classical languages and literature.

Britannica

After some difficulties (see Rudge 1998 for details), Kettlewell found that birds prey on moths in an order of conspicuousness similar to that gauged by human observers.

SEP

After some difficulties, Ohio Governor Bushnell appointed Hanna to the Senate.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "after some difficulty", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what specific achievement followed the challenges. This provides context and highlights the significance of overcoming the obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "after some difficulty" without specifying the result or achievement that followed. Without a clear outcome, the phrase becomes weak and lacks impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after some difficulty" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the circumstances under which an action occurred. It describes the manner or condition in which something was done, emphasizing the presence of challenges or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "after some difficulty" is a versatile expression used to indicate that an action was completed despite the presence of challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding context to an event by highlighting the effort involved. While suitable for neutral and professional registers, alternatives may be preferred for highly formal contexts. Remember to clearly specify the outcome or achievement to maximize the phrase's impact and provide necessary context to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after overcoming obstacles

Emphasizes the act of successfully dealing with impediments.

eventually, after some trying times

This phrase adds emotional weight, emphasizing the stress associated with the difficulties.

following a period of struggle

This alternative emphasizes the duration and intensity of the challenges faced.

despite certain setbacks

Highlights the presence of temporary hindrances that did not prevent success.

subsequent to some challenges

This phrase is more formal and highlights the challenges as a precursor to the outcome.

following a complicated process

Focuses specifically on the complexity of the process leading to the result.

even with complications

Acknowledges the presence of complexities throughout the process.

not without a hitch

This idiom is informal and implies minor problems or setbacks.

though not easily

A simple way to convey the fact that effort or difficulty was involved.

with a degree of effort

Highlights the amount of exertion required to achieve the outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "after some difficulty" to indicate that something was achieved despite facing challenges. For example, "After some difficulty, he managed to find his mother's room."

What are some alternatives to "after some difficulty"?

Alternatives include "following a period of struggle", "subsequent to some challenges", or "after overcoming obstacles".

Is it better to say "after some difficulty" or "despite some difficulty"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "After some difficulty" implies eventual success, while "despite some difficulty" emphasizes the persistence of challenges even as something is achieved.

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

Yes, "after some difficulty" is suitable for formal writing, although more sophisticated alternatives like "subsequent to some challenges" might be preferred in certain contexts.