cause difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"cause difficulty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and it means to make something challenging or difficult.
You can use it in a variety of contexts. For example, "Her lack of experience caused difficulty in completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Strict credit criteria can cause difficulty for many," Ms Nelson says.

Independent

One theory is that enlarged tonsils cause difficulty swallowing, prompting a child to eat less.

The New York Times - Health

John spoke on condition that his last name be withheld for fear it would cause difficulty on his job.

The New York Times

Moderate hearing impairment (41 60 dB hearing level) can cause difficulty in hearing speech without a hearing aid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such pressure can also cause difficulty in urinating, a weak and intermittent urine flow, or blood in the urine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A very large goitre may cause sensations of choking and can cause difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She also believes that direct payment will cause difficulty, particularly for those who are used to a weekly rather than monthly budget.

The Guardian

Jellyfish stings often result in minor allergic reactions; in rare cases, they can cause difficulty breathing, coma or death, according to the health Web site WebMD.

The New York Times - Sports

I will not allow anyone to cause difficulty for the club or distract us from our aims, beginning with our meeting with Chelsea".

The Guardian - Sport

This is still a young industry and lack of regulation will cause difficulty for investors and for cross-border investments in sukuk".

The New York Times

Moreover, it can cause difficulty or even danger during manipulation and management.

Visualization in Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause difficulty", clearly identify what is causing the difficulty and what specific problems it leads to. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "cause difficulty" without specifying the source or nature of the difficulty. For example, instead of saying "The new policy caused difficulty", specify "The new policy caused difficulty for small businesses due to increased compliance costs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause difficulty" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of creating problems or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts. Examples from Ludwig show its application in describing various situations where something leads to complications or obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause difficulty" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of creating problems or challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows it to be used in numerous contexts, ranging from scientific discussions to news reports. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it is most frequently found in scientific and news-related sources. While alternatives such as "create problems" or "pose a challenge" exist, understanding the specific nuance you want to convey is key to choosing the most appropriate wording. Remember to provide context by specifying the source and nature of the difficulty for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create problems

This alternative focuses on the creation of general issues, whereas "cause difficulty" points to specific challenges.

pose a challenge

This suggests a hurdle that needs to be overcome, slightly more formal than "cause difficulty".

present obstacles

This emphasizes the hindering aspect, highlighting barriers to progress, differing from the broader implication of "cause difficulty".

give rise to complications

This alternative focuses on the emergence of complex issues as a consequence, making it more specific than "cause difficulty".

lead to setbacks

This suggests a reversal in progress due to certain factors. It is more specific than "cause difficulty" by focusing on outcomes.

hinder progress

This focuses solely on impeding advancement, unlike the broader sense of creating general problems by "cause difficulty".

complicate matters

This implies making things more intricate, differing from the general sense of creating problems as "cause difficulty" does.

impede progress

Similar to 'hinder progress', this highlights the obstruction of advancement, more specific than the broader "cause difficulty".

generate obstacles

This emphasizes the creation of barriers, highlighting hurdles to advancement unlike "cause difficulty" which is broader.

trigger adversity

This suggests initiating hardship or misfortune, implying a more negative and severe outcome than "cause difficulty".

FAQs

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

You can use "cause difficulty" to describe something that creates problems or obstacles. For example, "Lack of funding can "cause difficulty" in completing the project".

What are some synonyms for "cause difficulty"?

Some alternatives to "cause difficulty" include "create problems", "pose a challenge", or "present obstacles".

Is it better to say "cause difficulty" or "cause challenges"?

Both "cause difficulty" and "cause challenges" are correct. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. "Cause challenges" might be seen as slightly more positive, implying an opportunity for growth, whereas "cause difficulty" focuses more on the negative impact.

What's the difference between "cause difficulty" and "pose difficulty"?

"Cause difficulty" implies directly creating a problem, while "pose difficulty" suggests presenting a challenge that requires effort to overcome. Both phrases are acceptable.