common difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a challenge or problem that many people experience or encounter. Example: "One common difficulty faced by students is managing their time effectively during exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

You can't figure out what his ballets are about — a common difficulty with beginners.

The New Yorker

He was having trouble hearing, a common difficulty of bombing victims.

The New York Times

This avoids the common difficulty of an, apparently, over-determined Poisson problem.

Journal of Computational Physics

The most common problem area in switching designs is the inductor, and the most common difficulty is saturation.

Analog Circuit Design A Tutorial Guide to Applications and Solutions

A common difficulty is that men can get an erection but cannot hold it long enough to have sex.

Independent

The common difficulty of giving a credible account of a marriage surely has something to do with why marriages themselves come apart.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The DG formulation avoids common difficulties associated with cohesive elements.

Composite Structures

In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties.

The Guardian

We also examine common difficulties and cultural differences in the arrangement of information, use of evidence, and academic argumentation.

Yale University

To prevent the common difficulties involved in switching between operative systems, the software is developed using the Java programing language.

Computers & Geosciences

We also predict residents would face problems in anticipating common difficulties and generating solutions associated with line placement.

Journal of Surgical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates who is experiencing the difficulty. For example, specify "a common difficulty for students" rather than just "a common difficulty."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "common difficulty" is universally experienced. Acknowledge that individual experiences may vary, and qualify your statement appropriately. For example, instead of saying "a common difficulty is...", say "a difficulty commonly observed is..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common difficulty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a challenge or problem that is widely experienced. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common difficulty" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound expression used to describe a problem or challenge experienced by many. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various domains, including science, news, academia, and business. While suitable for formal contexts, it's essential to consider the specific audience and tone when selecting this phrase. Alternatives like "frequent challenge" or "widespread problem" can offer nuanced variations. When using "common difficulty", ensure clarity regarding who experiences the difficulty and avoid overgeneralizations, acknowledging that individual experiences may vary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequent challenge

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge", indicating a test of one's abilities or resources.

prevalent issue

Substitutes "difficulty" with "issue", denoting a point of debate or concern that is widespread.

widespread problem

Replaces "difficulty" with "problem", suggesting a situation that is unwelcome or harmful and affects many people.

shared obstacle

Substitutes "difficulty" with "obstacle", indicating something that blocks one's progress or achievement that is experienced by many.

typical struggle

Replaces "difficulty" with "struggle", implying a forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist opposition, and adds a sense of ordinariness.

recurring concern

Substitutes "difficulty" with "concern", denoting a matter of interest or worry that happens repeatedly.

general impediment

Replaces "difficulty" with "impediment", indicating something that delays or prevents progress.

universal hardship

Substitutes "difficulty" with "hardship", suggesting a condition that causes suffering or privation that is shared by all.

common pitfall

Replaces "difficulty" with "pitfall", indicating a hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty.

prevailing tribulation

Replaces "difficulty" with "tribulation", implying a cause of great trouble or suffering that is currently dominant.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "common difficulty" in a sentence?

You can replace "common difficulty" with alternatives like "frequent challenge", "widespread problem", or "shared obstacle" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "common difficulty" and "common challenge"?

"Common difficulty" generally refers to a problem or obstacle that many people face. "Common challenge", while similar, often implies a situation that requires effort and testing of one's abilities. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the problematic nature or the effort required to overcome it.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "common difficulty" in formal writing?

Yes, "common difficulty" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific tone and audience. In some cases, a more precise or nuanced phrase might be preferable, such as "recurring concern" or "prevalent issue".

How to use "common difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "common difficulty" to describe something many individuals or groups struggle with. For example: "A "common difficulty" in learning a new language is mastering pronunciation." or "One "common difficulty" faced by researchers is securing funding."