are having difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are having difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a current struggle or challenge someone is facing. Example: "Many students are having difficulty understanding the new material presented in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Companies are having difficulty raising money.

The New York Times

"But the other 80percentt are having difficulty.

The New York Times - Sports

We are having difficulty filling all positions in special education".

The New York Times

We are comfortable to say we are having difficulty".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The variations help explain why borrowers are having difficulty.

The New York Times

We are having difficulty finding qualified workers to fill these openings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Patients are making it clear that they are having difficulty getting access to services," he said.

The New York Times

I think people in post-Communist countries are having difficulty adjusting to this.

Vice

Does that sound like Indians are having difficulty converting?

Huffington Post

"Even churches are having difficulty getting people to come in at 11 o'clock Sunday morning".

Vice

If you are having difficulty with this, think about the things you like about yourself.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are having difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific task or area is causing the problem. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are having difficulty" without specifying who or what is experiencing the difficulty. For example, instead of saying "Things are having difficulty", specify, "The project is having difficulty meeting deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are having difficulty" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of experiencing problems or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are having difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express that someone or something is currently facing challenges or problems. As Ludwig AI's analysis demonstrates, this phrase is versatile and suitable for a variety of contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations. While alternatives like "are struggling" or "are facing challenges" exist, "are having difficulty" remains a clear and effective way to communicate a state of struggle or impediment. When using this phrase, ensure you clarify the specific area of difficulty to provide context and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are struggling

Focuses more on the active effort of trying to overcome a challenge.

are facing challenges

Highlights the presence of obstacles that need to be addressed.

are finding it hard

Emphasizes the subjective experience of difficulty.

are experiencing problems

Points to specific issues causing the difficulty.

are in trouble

Implies a more serious or precarious situation.

are not coping well

Suggests an inability to manage a situation effectively.

are faltering

Highlights a decline in performance or ability.

are laboring

Implies hard work with limited progress.

are up against it

Suggests facing significant adversity.

are in a bind

Indicates being in a restrictive or difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are having difficulty" in a sentence?

You can replace "are having difficulty" with alternatives like "are struggling", "are facing challenges", or "are finding it hard" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are having difficulty"?

Yes, "are having difficulty" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing problems or challenges.

What's the difference between "are having difficulty" and "are having trouble"?

While both phrases are similar, "are having difficulty" often suggests a more persistent or significant challenge compared to "are having trouble". "are having trouble" can imply a temporary or less severe issue.

How to use "are having difficulty" in a sentence?

Use "are having difficulty" to indicate that someone or something is facing challenges or problems in a specific area. For example, "Students are having difficulty understanding the concept".