considerable difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considerable difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant challenges or obstacles encountered in a situation. Example: "The project faced considerable difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances and resource limitations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are considerable difficulties with an "evidence-based" approach to bioethics, however, that require consideration.

BMC Medical Ethics

Despite those efforts, considerable difficulties remained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sennacherib had considerable difficulties with Babylonia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These diagrams glossed over the considerable difficulties of mixing materials from two different species.

The Guardian - Opinion

The changing face of cheque processing, with new digital imaging, has brought considerable difficulties for this industry.

The Guardian - Money

Though John reaches peaks of lyricism, he also presents the reader with considerable difficulties because his approach is rigorously intellectual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also warned him that there were "considerable difficulties" in justifying the use of force on self-defence grounds.

Independent

Anyone released from prison after a long sentence faces considerable difficulties, but most have the support of the probation service, and are gradually reintroduced into the world.

The Guardian

In other ways the departure of Fox has compounded Cameron's already considerable difficulties with managing the right of his party while in coalition with Nick Clegg's Lib Dems.

The Guardian

There have been considerable difficulties in recent years in recruiting and retaining paediatricians and social workers working at the very sharp-end of child protection.

The Guardian

Banks reported no major problems today, and the financial markets were closed, masking what could be considerable difficulties whenever they reopen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "considerable difficulties", be specific about the nature of those difficulties to provide context and clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "considerable difficulties" when the challenges are minor or easily resolved, as it can exaggerate the situation and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerable difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe situations where significant challenges or obstacles are present. It often emphasizes the degree or extent of the difficulties encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "considerable difficulties" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote significant challenges or obstacles. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic writing. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic discourse, while alternative phrases like "significant challenges" or "major obstacles" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When using "considerable difficulties", it's essential to provide specific details to enhance clarity and avoid overstating the severity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant challenges

This alternative is less formal and emphasizes the aspect of challenges rather than difficulties.

major obstacles

This suggests impediments that are larger or more impactful than simple difficulties.

substantial hurdles

Highlights barriers that need to be overcome with effort.

notable problems

This alternative focuses on issues that are worthy of attention or are easily observed.

serious setbacks

This describes events that delay progress significantly.

tough predicaments

Implies difficult situations requiring careful handling.

formidable challenges

This suggests that the challenges are daunting and may be hard to overcome.

grave complications

This highlights the potential for serious consequences arising from the difficulties.

intense struggles

Focuses on the effort and hardship involved in dealing with the difficulties.

critical impediments

Highlights barriers that are essential to address.

FAQs

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

You can use "considerable difficulties" to describe significant challenges or obstacles encountered in a specific situation. For example, "The project faced "considerable difficulties" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "considerable difficulties"?

Alternatives to "considerable difficulties" include "significant challenges", "major obstacles", or "substantial hurdles", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "considerable difficulties" instead of "minor issues"?

"Considerable difficulties" should be used when describing significant or impactful problems, while "minor issues" is more appropriate for smaller, less consequential challenges. Using "considerable difficulties" for minor issues can be an overstatement.

What is the difference between "considerable difficulties" and "formidable challenges"?

"Considerable difficulties" generally refers to a range of significant problems, while "formidable challenges" implies difficulties that are particularly daunting or hard to overcome. The latter suggests a higher degree of difficulty.