complain of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complain of difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is expressing their challenges or problems regarding a specific issue or task. Example: "Several students complain of difficulty understanding the new material presented in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Foreign representation on corporate boards is low, and foreign-born entrepreneurs complain of difficulty getting loans.

The Economist

Such gaps translate into hundreds of millions of dollars in profits, though some workers complain of difficulty keeping pace.

The New York Times

As many employers complain of difficulty finding applicants with the proper skills, many educators and economists say the government should make it easier for students to take certificate programs.

The New York Times

Upon seeking medical help, patients often complain of difficulty seeing in the dark (night blindness), which results from low levels of 11-cis retinaldehyde, required for dark adaptation of vision.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Starting dosage recommendations for elderly patients who primarily complain of difficulty with sleep onset is 1 mg immediately before bedtime.

Clinical interventions in aging

Occasionally, patients complain of difficulty in breathing, palpitations, and episodes of syncope or pain below the sternum [ 26].

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

An executive is far more likely to complain of difficulties related to time management, interpersonal communication, or workplace disengagement than of anxiety.

Harvard Business Review

Others in the West Bank complain of difficulties visiting their relatives in Israeli jails despite assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRCC).

BBC

Patients with insomnia commonly complain of difficulties initiating/maintaining sleep, early awakening, and non-restorative or poor quality sleep [ 3].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

CFS patients typically complain of difficulties with concentration, memory, and thinking, yet neuropsychological testing does not generally confirm the reported cognitive dysfunction [ 49, 50].

BMC Health Services Research

Local officials said no one complained of difficulty voting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complain of difficulty", ensure the context clearly specifies what the difficulty pertains to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "complain of difficulty" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "struggle with", "encounter problems", or "report challenges" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complain of difficulty" functions as a verb phrase followed by a prepositional phrase. It indicates the act of expressing or reporting a problem or challenge. Ludwig AI provides examples that show its usage in various contexts, indicating a common way to describe struggles or problems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complain of difficulty" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating that someone is reporting or expressing a problem. It is versatile across various contexts, including science, news, and formal settings. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests that while the phrase is suitable for neutral and formal communication, it's beneficial to diversify phrasing with alternatives like "express difficulty with" or "struggle with" to avoid redundancy. The sources analyzed come from reputable news and scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express difficulty with

Replaces "complain" with a more neutral verb and adjusts the preposition.

lament the difficulty of

Replaces "complain" with "lament" and maintains a formal tone.

report challenges in

Substitutes "complain" with "report" and "difficulty" with "challenges", creating a less negative tone.

encounter problems with

Substitutes "difficulty" with "problems", making the phrase slightly broader.

experience trouble with

Uses "experience trouble" instead of "complain of difficulty", focusing on the experience of the problem.

face obstacles in

Replaces "difficulty" with "obstacles", highlighting the barriers encountered.

struggle with

Offers a more concise way to express the same idea, focusing on the act of struggling.

have a hard time with

Uses a more informal and direct way to convey the difficulty.

find it difficult to

Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize the difficulty of a specific task.

have issues with

Uses a more general term, "issues", instead of "difficulty".

FAQs

How can I use "complain of difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "complain of difficulty" to express that someone is reporting or expressing their struggles with something. For example, "Patients with Alzheimer's disease frequently "complain of difficulty following a conversation in a busy room".

What are some alternatives to "complain of difficulty"?

Alternatives include "express difficulty with", "report challenges in", or "struggle with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "complain about difficulty" or "complain of difficulty"?

"Complain of difficulty" is generally used when describing a specific problem or symptom, while "complain about difficulty" might be used to express dissatisfaction with a situation. The choice depends on the context.

What does it mean when someone "complains of difficulty"?

It means they are reporting or expressing that they are experiencing problems or challenges with something. It's a way of stating they are finding something hard or troublesome.