cognitive difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cognitive difficulties" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to challenges or problems related to cognitive processes such as thinking, understanding, and learning. Example: "John's performance in class has been affected by his cognitive difficulties, making it difficult for him to grasp new concepts quickly." In this sentence, "cognitive difficulties" is used to describe John's difficulty in understanding and learning new concepts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the condition worsens, cognitive difficulties may become apparent.

The New York Times - Health

Its symptoms can include loss of vision, numbness, paralysis and cognitive difficulties.

The New York Times

But the physical and cognitive difficulties they face may give them reason to be depressed.

The Guardian

She wears a patch, Exelon, that helps relieve the cognitive difficulties.

The Guardian

In another room, a group with more severe cognitive difficulties tried simple exercises.

The New York Times

A person whose brain has been undermined in this way can suffer long-term behavioral and cognitive difficulties.

The New Yorker

This causes cognitive difficulties; they can't think well on their feet".

The New York Times - Health

Then he tried a different statin at a high dose, but the cognitive difficulties returned.

The New York Times

About 40 percent reported cognitive difficulties — a chilling proportion, yet lower than I had expected.

The New York Times

Keith has returned to school, and to varsity hockey, but has cognitive difficulties that mimic certain learning disabilities, as well as occasional seizures and arthritis in his legs.

The New York Times

They say they often cannot get treatment, leaving them bedridden and suffering a range of symptoms from brain damage and cognitive difficulties to memory loss, blindness or death.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "cognitive difficulties", be specific about the areas affected, such as memory, attention, or problem-solving, to provide a clearer understanding of the challenges faced.

Common error

Do not use the term "cognitive difficulties" as a vague label. Instead, identify the specific cognitive functions that are impaired, such as executive functioning, processing speed, or verbal comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cognitive difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes challenges or impairments related to cognitive processes. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and widespread use of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

45%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cognitive difficulties" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to challenges in mental processes like memory, attention, and learning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across diverse contexts, notably in science and news media. When using this phrase, specificity is key; rather than a general label, aim to pinpoint which cognitive functions are impaired. Alternatives like "cognitive impairments" or "cognitive challenges" can offer nuanced meaning depending on the context. By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively communicate about cognitive challenges with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulties in thinking

Rearranges the phrase to emphasize the act of thinking and the presence of difficulties within that process.

cognitive impairments

Replaces "difficulties" with "impairments", suggesting a more significant or measurable reduction in cognitive function.

cognitive challenges

Substitutes "difficulties" with "challenges", framing the issue as a test of cognitive abilities rather than a deficiency.

cognitive deficits

Uses "deficits" instead of "difficulties", indicating a specific and identifiable lack in cognitive processes.

intellectual struggles

Replaces "cognitive" with "intellectual" and "difficulties" with "struggles", broadening the scope to general mental effort and performance.

mental processing issues

Focuses on the act of "mental processing" rather than general cognition, suggesting specific problems in how the mind handles information.

thinking impediments

Uses "impediments" to describe obstacles to clear thinking, rather than difficulties.

learning disabilities

More specific term referring to neurologically based processing problems that interfere with learning skills.

impaired cognitive function

This alternative emphasize that the cognitive abilities are not working correctly.

reduced mental acuity

Highlights a decline in mental sharpness and clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "cognitive difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "cognitive difficulties" to describe challenges in mental processes. For instance, "The patient experienced significant "cognitive difficulties" following the stroke."

What are some alternative phrases for "cognitive difficulties"?

Alternatives include "cognitive impairments", "cognitive challenges", or "cognitive deficits", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cognitive difficulties" or "cognitive disabilities"?

While both terms relate to cognitive impairments, "cognitive disabilities" often implies a more permanent or pervasive condition. "Cognitive difficulties" can refer to temporary or less severe challenges. Choose the term that most accurately reflects the situation.

What's the difference between "cognitive difficulties" and "learning disabilities"?

"Learning disabilities" are a specific subset of "cognitive difficulties" that primarily affect academic skills such as reading, writing, or mathematics. "Cognitive difficulties" is a broader term encompassing various challenges in mental processes.