continuing difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continuing difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing or persistent challenge or problem that someone is facing. Example: "Despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, we are still experiencing continuing difficulty with the software update."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The bomber's ability to infiltrate the area near the police academy, a target of past attacks, highlighted the continuing difficulty of preventing large-scale bombings.

The New York Times

Their continuing detention was the result of a snarled political, bureaucratic and diplomatic process that underscored the continuing difficulty of closing the notorious detention center.

The Guardian

Working Americans have two great concerns: the growing difficulty of getting health insurance, and the continuing difficulty they have in finding jobs.

The New York Times

Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire referred to his team's inability to beat the Yankees in the playoffs as "continuing difficulty," a euphemism if ever there was one.

The New York Times

The poor results in the production business underscored the continuing difficulty of many major oil companies in replacing aging oil fields with new reserves.

The New York Times

The consequences of Stanton's racism and élitism were "deep and hurtful," Ginzberg says, and she attributes the continuing difficulty of incorporating race and class differences into gender politics, in large part, to Stanton's mixed legacy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Two respondents pointed to continuing difficulties with continued ambiguity or overlap for statements 2 & 14, 3 & 15, 5 & 11, 6 & 7. To solve this problem we amended these items again.

BMC Health Services Research

These programs will remind us of the continuing difficulties of Life After Balanchine.

The New York Times - Arts

The joke aside, the television sets were also testament to the continuing difficulties he was experiencing.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And we don't underestimate the continuing difficulties, but I'm pleased they're still working".

The New York Times

Whatever "the continuing difficulties between the two", Millar said his client accepted she was not to blame.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continuing difficulty", be specific about the nature of the difficulty and its impact. Providing context helps readers understand the significance of the ongoing problem.

Common error

Avoid using "continuing difficulty" without specifying what the difficulty is. Vague statements weaken the impact of your message. Instead of saying "We are experiencing a continuing difficulty", specify "We are experiencing a continuing difficulty in securing funding for the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continuing difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "continuing" modifies the noun "difficulty". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples provided by Ludwig show this phrase describing persistent problems in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continuing difficulty" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe an ongoing problem or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears frequently in news and scientific contexts, indicating persistent problems across various domains. While alternatives like "persistent challenge" or "ongoing struggle" exist, "continuing difficulty" effectively conveys both the problematic nature and its duration. When using this phrase, ensure you specify the nature of the difficulty to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent challenge

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge" to emphasize the demanding nature of the situation, maintaining the idea of something ongoing.

ongoing struggle

Emphasizes the effort and resistance involved in dealing with the difficulty, suggesting a more active and prolonged effort.

lingering problem

Highlights the duration and unresolved nature of the issue, suggesting it has not been successfully addressed.

enduring hardship

Conveys a sense of suffering or adversity associated with the ongoing difficulty, focusing on the negative impact.

unresolved issue

Focuses on the lack of a solution or resolution to the problem, emphasizing its incomplete state.

protracted challenge

Similar to "persistent challenge" but suggests an even longer and more drawn-out timeframe.

sustained impediment

Highlights the hindering or obstructive nature of the difficulty, focusing on its impact on progress.

recurrent obstacle

Suggests that the difficulty appears repeatedly, presenting a recurring barrier.

chronic complication

Conveys that the difficulty is a long-term and potentially worsening problem, often used in medical contexts.

constant adversity

Emphasizes the continuous and challenging nature of the difficulty, presenting it as a constant source of hardship.

FAQs

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

You can use "continuing difficulty" to describe an ongoing problem or challenge. For example: "The project faces "continuing difficulty" due to lack of resources".

What are some alternatives to "continuing difficulty"?

Alternatives include "persistent challenge", "ongoing struggle", or "lingering problem". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "continuing difficulty"?

While "continuing" implies something is ongoing, "difficulty" simply refers to a problem. The combination highlights both the problematic nature and its persistence, making it more emphatic than just saying "difficulty".

What's the difference between "continuing difficulty" and "recurring difficulty"?

"Continuing difficulty" suggests a problem that hasn't stopped, while "recurring difficulty" indicates a problem that disappears and reappears. The choice depends on whether the problem is constant or intermittent.