certain difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific level of challenge or trouble that one is experiencing. Example: "She faced a certain difficulty in understanding the complex mathematical concepts presented in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This brings certain difficulty to the autopilot design and stability analysis.

Defence Technology

Everyone has a certain difficulty in growing up, even my children, although I've been a good mother.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hard though it may seem, there is a certain difficulty in accepting Reina's thesis that he had deserved a lot better than this.

Independent

The certain difficulty will merely have been enhanced as soon as they arrived yesterday in the university town of Potchefstroom, 70 miles west of Johannesburg.

Independent

"Everyone has a certain difficulty in growing up, even my children, although I've been a good mother," she told The Australian Financial Review in 2010.

The New York Times - Books

And, pulling up her legs so that she is almost kneeling on the seat, she reaches awkwardly over the gearbox and with a certain difficulty puts her arms around him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Each involves certain difficulties.

Structural Safety

For a marriage, this presents certain difficulties.

The New York Times

Although this may seem eminently logical, certain difficulties may arise.

Britannica

There are certain difficulties, but there is also joy.

The New York Times - Arts

Both are part of Trajal Harrell's Platform series, "certain difficulties, certain joy".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain difficulty", ensure the context provides enough information to understand the nature and scope of the difficulty. Avoid vagueness by hinting at the specific aspects causing the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "certain difficulty" when a more straightforward term like "problem" or "issue" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "difficulty". It is typically used to identify or acknowledge a specific type of challenge or problem. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain difficulty" is used to denote a specific challenge or problem. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and can be used to describe a specific level of trouble. Although "certain difficulty" is deemed grammatically sound and receives consistent usage across varied sources, its overall occurrence is categorized as uncommon. For alternative expressions, consider "particular challenge" or "specific obstacle" to convey similar meaning with slight variations. When incorporating "certain difficulty" in your writing, ensure that the context clearly identifies the problem being referenced to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular challenge

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge" offering a slightly more positive framing of the situation.

specific obstacle

Substitutes both "certain" and "difficulty" to convey a precise hurdle.

definite disadvantage

Emphasizes the hindering aspect rather than the effort required.

notable impediment

Replaces "difficulty" with a more formal term suggesting a significant barrier.

real complication

Highlights the intricacy or entanglement introduced by the difficulty.

marked struggle

Shifts the focus to the act of trying to overcome the problem, emphasizing effort.

distinct setback

Emphasizes the regressive effect of the difficulty on progress.

genuine hardship

Conveys a greater sense of severity or adversity than "difficulty".

palpable struggle

Indicates that the difficulty is easily perceived or felt.

evident challenge

Highlights the visibility or obviousness of the challenge at hand.

FAQs

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

Use "certain difficulty" to refer to a specific challenge that requires attention or effort. For example, "The project presented a "certain difficulty" in coordinating multiple teams".

What are some alternatives to "certain difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "particular challenge", "specific obstacle", or "notable impediment" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "certain difficulty" or "some difficulty"?

"Certain difficulty" implies a more defined or acknowledged problem, while "some difficulty" suggests a less specific or perhaps milder challenge. Choose based on the context and the level of precision needed.

How does "certain difficulty" differ from "major difficulty"?

"Major difficulty" emphasizes the magnitude of the problem, whereas "certain difficulty" highlights its distinct and undeniable presence. The choice depends on whether you wish to stress the size or the existence of the challenge.