cause difficulty for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause difficulty for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations or actions that create challenges or obstacles for someone or something. Example: "The new regulations may cause difficulty for small businesses trying to comply with the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

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

Independent

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

However, honoring a patient's desire to die may cause difficulty for emergency-care professionals who are trained to err on the side of life, even if they know a patient wishes not to be resuscitated.

The New York Times

Davies said: "I have concluded that it would be right for me to step down even though I know that this will cause difficulty for the institution I have come to love.

The Guardian

"Because this involves Martin meeting the British monarch, this will cause difficulty for republicans and nationalists who have suffered at the hands of British forces in Ireland over many decades," Mr. Adams said in a statement after the decision.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This could cause difficulties for anyone who has a contract with them.

The Guardian - Money

Whether the Houston investigation will cause difficulties for Clemens remains to be seen.

The New York Times - Sports

"On the other hand, we could cause difficulties for the Americans.

The New York Times

Brimelow said the conviction will cause difficulties for the star in getting work in the US.

The Guardian

Many aspects of a standard theatre experience can cause difficulties for autistic people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause difficulty for", ensure the context clearly identifies what or whom is experiencing the difficulty. Clarity helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when "cause difficulty for" can be expressed more directly in active voice. Active voice often makes your writing more engaging and easier to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause difficulty for" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of creating challenges or problems for someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English. It's used to express that a particular situation, action, or factor is making things harder or more complicated for the affected party.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause difficulty for" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something creates challenges or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its frequency is considered uncommon. While it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, it's crucial to maintain clarity by specifying what or whom is experiencing the difficulty. Alternatives like "create problems for" or "present challenges to" can be used to vary your language while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create problems for

Replaces "difficulty" with "problems", focusing on the negative consequences.

present challenges to

Substitutes "difficulty" with "challenges" and uses "present" instead of "cause", emphasizing the act of posing a challenge.

complicate matters for

Emphasizes the aspect of making things more complex or intricate.

pose an obstacle to

Replaces "difficulty" with "obstacle", highlighting a barrier or impediment.

hinder progress for

Focuses on impeding advancement or development.

impede the process for

Similar to hinder, but specifically relates to a process or procedure.

disrupt operations for

Highlights the interruption or disturbance of normal activities.

create setbacks for

Focuses on causing delays or reversals in progress.

aggravate the situation for

Emphasizes making an existing situation worse.

exacerbate issues for

Similar to aggravate, but implies intensifying existing issues or problems.

FAQs

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

Use "cause difficulty for" to indicate that something creates challenges or obstacles for someone or something. For example, "The new regulations may "cause difficulty for" small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "cause difficulty for"?

You can use alternatives like "create problems for", "present challenges to", or "complicate matters for" depending on the specific context.

Is there a more formal way to say "cause difficulty for"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "pose an obstacle to" or "hinder progress for". These options add a level of sophistication to your writing.

What's the difference between "cause difficulty for" and "cause trouble for"?

"Cause difficulty for" generally refers to creating challenges or obstacles, while "cause trouble for" often implies creating problems that are more disruptive or potentially harmful. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.