an unusual difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unusual difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenge or problem that is not typical or expected. Example: "The team faced an unusual difficulty in completing the project on time due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Mohawk encampment here poses an unusual difficulty for state officials.

The New York Times

For the feds, catching the kingpin before they get to any henchmen poses an unusual difficulty – because of his reputation as America's biggest liar, Madoff is a radioactive witness.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

H.M. did not have any unusual difficulties with the orthographic and grammatical components inherent to the puzzles.

Duke University

After four years as a near-recluse, Mr Castro is back and at a time of unusual difficulty for the regime he created.The speech followed a string of cameo appearances by Fidel, such as visiting an aquarium and talking to biotechnologists.

The Economist

Where the probability of a labor dispute appears to be practically nil, and where the occurrence of such a dispute provides unusual difficulty, the excuse of impracticability might well be applicable.

Harvard University

The diagnosis of developmental dyslexia is made when a child has unusual difficulty learning to read for no apparent reason.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

In the bariatric clinic at Behavioral Medicine Center for Treatment and Research (BMedCTR) in Portland, Oregon, among the patients who failed, a subset was observed to have unusual difficulty adhering to diet and exercise plans, and as a result lost less fat mass than typically occurs.

BMC Psychiatry

And they have had to face a few unusual difficulties.

The Economist

Wal-Mart's ubiquity has pressured all supermarket chains, putting some in unusual difficulty.

The New York Times

Aides of Walter J. Hickel, the Interior Secretary, have been having unusual difficulty in finding qualified candidates for the job.

The New York Times

The patients he interviewed with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus clearly had unusual difficulty dealing with the responses of doctors and relatives to their puzzling condition.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unusual difficulty", ensure that the context clearly establishes what makes the difficulty uncommon or unexpected. Provide specific details to illustrate its unique nature.

Common error

Avoid using "an unusual difficulty" when the situation is only mildly challenging. Reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely deviate from the norm and present unexpected complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unusual difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "unusual" modifies "difficulty." Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes a specific type of problem that is not commonly encountered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an unusual difficulty" effectively communicates a challenge that deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It finds common use in “News & Media”, “Science”, and “Academia”. While suitable for various contexts, remember to provide specifics about the unusual nature of the difficulty. Avoid overuse in situations that are only mildly challenging. Consider alternatives like "an uncommon challenge" or "an unexpected problem" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uncommon challenge

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge" and "unusual" with "uncommon", focusing on the problematic aspect.

an unforeseen challenge

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge" and "unusual" with "unforeseen", focusing on the unanticipated aspect.

an unexpected problem

Substitutes "difficulty" with "problem" and "unusual" with "unexpected", highlighting the unforeseen nature.

a peculiar obstacle

Replaces "difficulty" with "obstacle" and "unusual" with "peculiar", emphasizing the strangeness of the impediment.

an exceptional setback

Substitutes "difficulty" with "setback" and "unusual" with "exceptional", focusing on the hindering nature of the situation.

a singular predicament

Replaces "difficulty" with "predicament" and "unusual" with "singular", highlighting the unique and challenging situation.

an extraordinary complication

Replaces "difficulty" with "complication" and "unusual" with "extraordinary", emphasizing the complex and unexpected nature.

a rare hardship

Substitutes "difficulty" with "hardship" and "unusual" with "rare", focusing on the infrequent and severe nature of the problem.

an atypical struggle

Replaces "difficulty" with "struggle" and "unusual" with "atypical", highlighting the uncommon and challenging effort required.

a remarkable impediment

Substitutes "difficulty" with "impediment" and "unusual" with "remarkable", focusing on the noteworthy obstruction.

FAQs

How can I use "an unusual difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "an unusual difficulty" to describe a problem or challenge that is not typical or expected. For example: "The project encountered "an unusual difficulty" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "an unusual difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "an uncommon challenge", "an unexpected problem", or "a peculiar obstacle" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an unusual difficulty"?

It is appropriate to use "an unusual difficulty" when describing a situation where the challenges faced are significantly different from what is normally expected or encountered.

What distinguishes "an unusual difficulty" from a regular difficulty?

"An unusual difficulty" implies that the problem is not only challenging but also unexpected or atypical, setting it apart from ordinary "difficulties".