came across a difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "came across a difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an encounter with a challenge or obstacle during a task or situation. Example: "While working on the project, I came across a difficulty that required additional research to resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He came across like an everyday guy".

Los Angeles Times

But in practice the community staff came across a variety of telephone difficulties, including land lines with no outgoing call facility, no landline and mobile phones which were uncharged or without credit.

BMC Health Services Research

He came across a navy-blue shirt.

The New Yorker

Finally we came across a big male.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Well, I came across a good investment".

The New York Times

He came across a small child.

The Guardian

"We came across a powerful side.

BBC

We even came across a dead camel.

Unicef

The doctor comes across as a missionary.

The New York Times

Jones comes across as a mensch.

The Guardian - Books

Do you come across as a professional?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "came across a difficulty", specify the nature of the difficulty to provide context and clarity to your writing. Instead of saying 'I came across a difficulty,' try 'I came across a difficulty in securing funding for the project.'

Common error

Avoid using "came across a difficulty" as a generic placeholder. Replace it with a more descriptive phrase that specifies the exact nature of the problem you encountered. For example, instead of 'We came across a difficulty,' write 'We encountered unexpected delays due to supply chain disruptions.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came across a difficulty" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of encountering or experiencing a problem or challenge. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "came across a difficulty" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe encountering a problem or challenge. Ludwig indicates it is usable in written English. While versatile, it benefits from specific context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "encountered a problem" or "faced a challenge" for conciseness and professional tone. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, although its frequency is currently low.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountered a problem

Replaces "difficulty" with the more common "problem".

faced a challenge

Uses "challenge" as a more motivational synonym for "difficulty".

ran into a snag

Implies a small, unexpected problem.

met with an obstacle

More formal alternative, replacing "came across" with "met with".

experienced a setback

Focuses on the negative impact of the difficulty.

found an impediment

A more formal and less common way of expressing encountering a difficulty.

stumbled upon an issue

Suggests unexpectedly finding a problem.

contended with a hurdle

Suggests an effort to overcome the difficulty.

grappled with a complication

Highlights the complexity of the difficulty.

bumped into a hitch

Informal and implies a temporary delay or disruption.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "came across a difficulty" to sound more professional?

To sound more professional, you can use phrases like "encountered a challenge", "faced an obstacle", or "experienced a setback" depending on the specific context of the "came across a difficulty".

What's the difference between "came across a difficulty" and "encountered a problem"?

"Encountered a problem" is a more direct and commonly used alternative. "Came across a difficulty" is slightly more verbose but carries a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuances you want to convey. You can use both for any kind of problem.

How to avoid vagueness when using "came across a difficulty"?

To avoid vagueness, specify the exact nature of the difficulty. For instance, instead of saying "We came across a difficulty", try "We came across a difficulty in obtaining the necessary permits" or "We encountered a technical difficulty during the experiment".

What are some synonyms for "difficulty" in the phrase "came across a difficulty"?

Synonyms for "difficulty" in this context include "challenge", "obstacle", "problem", "setback", "hurdle", and "complication", which can be used to provide variety and precision in your writing.