big difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"big difficulty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you might write: "Faced with a big difficulty, the government had to call an emergency meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Language is another big difficulty.

The Economist

That was a big difficulty".

The New York Times - Science

"The big difficulty has been in tracing soldiers," he said.

The Guardian

The big difficulty is that haves and have nots alike face the same prices for food.

The Economist

The big difficulty came with deciding on the role Anne Frank was to have in the story.

Stanford University

"We fear the company is having big difficulty porting native e-mail to the BlackBerry 10 O.S.," Mr. Kreher said.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Big difficulties: we should stop this production.

The New York Times - Arts

"We have big difficulties with Moscow," he said.

The Guardian

Both main parties have big difficulties over how they "keep the faith" with Leave voters.

The Times

"Almost all kinds of service and charity NGOs will be confronting very big difficulties," Lu added.

The Guardian

If you have big difficulties with the butterfly, you can substitute it for another.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big difficulty", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it a challenge, a problem, an obstacle, or a setback? Choosing a more precise term can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

Common error

While "big difficulty" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "major challenge", "significant obstacle", or "serious problem" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a wider command of language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "big" modifies the noun "difficulty". It describes something that presents a significant challenge or problem. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "big difficulty" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant problem or challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It is frequently found in news and media sources, as well as academic and scientific writing. While versatile, remember to consider more precise synonyms like "major challenge" or "significant obstacle" to enhance clarity and sophistication in your writing. Varying your language will keep your audience engaged and showcase a wider command of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major challenge

Emphasizes the aspect of a difficult task needing effort and skill.

significant obstacle

Highlights the barrier-like nature of the difficulty, suggesting something that impedes progress.

serious problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect, suggesting the difficulty causes concern or harm.

considerable setback

Indicates that the difficulty has caused a delay or regression in progress.

formidable hurdle

Implies a challenge that is daunting and requires significant effort to overcome.

tough predicament

Suggests a difficult situation that is complex and leaves few good options.

substantial complication

Highlights the way in which the difficulty adds complexity to a situation or task.

grave issue

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the difficulty.

onerous task

Focuses on the burden and demanding nature of the difficulty.

critical snag

Highlights that the difficulty is an unexpected and disruptive problem.

FAQs

How can I use "big difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "big difficulty" to describe a significant problem or challenge. For example, "The project faced a "big difficulty" due to unexpected budget cuts."

What can I say instead of "big difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "major challenge", "significant obstacle", or "serious problem" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "big difficulty" or "major difficulty"?

Both "big difficulty" and "major difficulty" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Major difficulty" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "big difficulty" and "small difficulty"?

"Big difficulty" refers to a significant problem or challenge, while "small difficulty" refers to a minor or easily manageable issue.