chief difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or primary challenge or problem in a given context. Example: "The chief difficulty in completing the project was coordinating the schedules of all team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Speed was the chief difficulty.

The New Yorker

The chief difficulty lies in the process used to make the tubes.

The Economist

The chief difficulty is that the permeability may be highly variable, especially when the statistical model has a large variance and a small correlation length.

Journal of Computational Physics

For many courses and universities the chief difficulty is not deciding between multiple applicants but ensuring they have enough.

The Guardian

"The chief difficulty now is to try to build a presidential campaign so late in the game," Scala said.

The Guardian

The chief difficulty with this is that Villagutierre expressly states that from the mouth of the Lacantun the flotilla went upstream (Villagutierre 1701, p. 362).

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

COMPACT SEEN NEAR ON ARMS TRAFFIC; Final Week of Geneva Conference Starts With Chief Difficulties Overcome.

The New York Times

Archives|COMPACT SEEN NEAR ON ARMS TRAFFIC; Final Week of Geneva Conference Starts With Chief Difficulties Overcome.

The New York Times

The technical issues involved are relatively easy to deal with but the political and legal problems require far greater attention, with military issues and enactment of legislation the chief difficulties.

Space Policy

The intensity and duration of the distress are factors to be considered in determining its severity". One of the chief difficulties in recovering under Section 46 is establishing that the alleged tortfeasor acted with specific intent to cause emotional distress.

Harvard University

One of the chief difficulties for psychiatric researchers, setting them apart from most other medical investigators, is that they can't cut schizophrenia out of the brain and look at it under a microscope.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief difficulty", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being attempted and why the identified difficulty is the most significant obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "chief difficulty" when the issue is merely a complication, not the primary impediment. Ensure it genuinely represents the most significant challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It identifies the most significant obstacle or challenge in a given situation, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief difficulty" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that identifies the main obstacle or challenge in a particular situation. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its versatile applicability across news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While synonyms like "main problem" or "primary challenge" offer alternatives, "chief difficulty" maintains a neutral to formal tone, suitable for analytical discussions and strategic planning. Remember to use it when pinpointing the most significant impediment to avoid overstating minor complications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main problem

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'problem', focusing on the central issue.

primary challenge

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'challenge', highlighting the demanding nature of the obstacle.

key obstacle

Emphasizes that the 'obstacle' is crucial or central to progress.

principal impediment

A more formal way of saying 'main obstacle', using a sophisticated term.

central issue

Focuses on the core problem that needs to be addressed.

major hurdle

Implies a significant barrier that needs to be overcome.

biggest concern

Highlights the most worrying aspect of a situation.

foremost struggle

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in dealing with the main issue.

greatest adversity

Suggests a significant hardship or misfortune that must be faced.

root cause

Focuses on the fundamental reason behind a problem or difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "chief difficulty" to point out the biggest problem in a situation. For example: "The "chief difficulty" in completing the project was the lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "chief difficulty"?

Alternatives include "main problem", "primary challenge", or "key obstacle" depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is "chief difficulty" too formal for casual conversation?

While "chief difficulty" is suitable for formal writing and speech, alternatives like "main problem" or "biggest issue" might be more appropriate for casual conversation.

What is the difference between "chief difficulty" and "major concern"?

"Chief difficulty" refers specifically to the main obstacle hindering progress, whereas "major concern" highlights the most worrying aspect of a situation. While related, they emphasize different aspects of the problem.