but not without difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not without difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was achieved, but it required effort or faced challenges along the way. Example: "She completed the marathon, but not without difficulty, as she had to overcome several injuries during her training."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Army has managed to meet its goals each year since 2006, but not without difficulty.

The New York Times

Assistance from science over the decades has been transformative, but not without difficulty: it took years for some archaeologists to be won over by radiocarbon dating.

Nature

The rest of the family eventually followed -- his parents, now in their 80's, live in California -- but not without difficulty.

The New York Times - Arts

But this was the best example yet of how the house's new look, by the designer Raf Simons, could be worn in reality, which is to say beautifully, but not without difficulty.

The New York Times

I was able to vote, but not without difficulty.

Huffington Post

Several exits from the beach were created, but not without difficulty.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Lower courts have, but not without some difficulty.

Harvard University

Coronaviruses, named for their crown-like shape, cause serious diseases in many animals, and vaccines have been developed for some animal coronaviruses, but not without great difficulty.

The New York Times

The answer is yes, but not without some difficulties.

Vice

This study demonstrated that combining national health survey data covering different areas is viable but not without technical difficulties.

European Journal of Public Health

But this is not without difficulty.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not without difficulty" to acknowledge both success and the challenges faced in achieving it. This adds nuance and honesty to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but not without difficulty" too frequently. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and detract from the impact of the phrase. Use alternatives such as "though not easily" or "albeit with challenges" to vary your expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not without difficulty" functions as a conjunction phrase that connects two ideas, indicating a contrast between an achievement or event and the challenges encountered. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not without difficulty" is a grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to acknowledge both success and the challenges faced in achieving it. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While it is not overly common, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "albeit with challenges" or "with considerable difficulty" to add variety to your writing. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact and nuance. As with any phrase, context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with considerable difficulty

Highlights the significant amount of difficulty.

albeit with challenges

Formal alternative that acknowledges the presence of challenges.

not without a struggle

Emphasizes the conflict or struggle involved.

though it was tough

Directly states the difficulty experienced during an event.

though not easily

Emphasizes the effort required, focusing on the lack of ease.

not without its hurdles

Uses 'hurdles' to represent obstacles encountered.

with some degree of effort

Highlights the involvement of effort to a certain extent.

however challenging

Highlights the presence of a high degree of difficulty or testing circumstances.

not without a hitch

Highlights the presence of problems encountered along the way.

yet it was an uphill battle

Uses a metaphor to describe the difficulty faced.

FAQs

What does "but not without difficulty" mean?

The phrase "but not without difficulty" means that something was accomplished, "achieved" or completed, but it involved challenges, obstacles or a significant amount of effort.

How can I use "but not without difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "but not without difficulty" to acknowledge both success and the challenges faced. For example: "She completed the project, but not without difficulty."

What are some alternatives to "but not without difficulty"?

Alternatives include "with considerable difficulty", "albeit with challenges", or "though it was tough".

Is "but not without difficulty" formal or informal?

The phrase "but not without difficulty" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "albeit with challenges" might be preferred in academic or business writing.