create difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or action that makes something harder to achieve or understand. Example: "The new regulations may create difficulty for small businesses trying to comply with the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Mohammadi says he witnessed many cases in which "both sides find a way to create difficulty".

The Guardian

On the other hand, you are drunk again, which may create difficulty about going to work.

The New Yorker

When Bonilla was asked if he would try to create difficulty for General Manager Steve Phillips and Manager Bobby Valentine if he did not play, Bonilla said: "Oh, yeah.

The New York Times - Sports

This can create difficulty for those new to a blog's topic.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This can create difficulty for whomever holds the elected role of president.

BBC

Although currently effective, instructions warning of punitive consequences may create difficulty in recruiting participants.

Computers in Human Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"It really does create difficulties for us".

The New York Times

He was able to create difficulties for Adams.

The New York Times

"The introduction of lady members is bound to create difficulties.

The Guardian - Sport

That could create difficulties for New York City, because that is when residents will elect the next mayor.

The New York Times

The run-up to the end date of START could create difficulties.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "create difficulty" with a prepositional phrase clarifying the area in which the difficulty arises. For example, "create difficulty in understanding" or "create difficulty for implementation".

Common error

While "create difficulty" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using stronger verbs like "hinder", "impede", or "obstruct" for a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "create difficulty" is as a verb phrase acting as a predicate within a sentence. It describes an action (create) that results in a state or condition (difficulty). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "create difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of causing problems or challenges. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's applicable across diverse contexts, ranging from formal scientific papers to news reports. While versatile, varying your vocabulary can enhance the impact of your writing; consider alternatives like ""pose challenges"" or "generate complications". Be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey and target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause problems

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'problems', offering a more general term for undesirable outcomes.

pose challenges

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'challenges', suggesting a more demanding situation that needs to be overcome.

present obstacles

Uses 'obstacles' instead of 'difficulty', emphasizing impediments that hinder progress.

generate complications

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'complications', highlighting the complexity introduced by the action.

trigger setbacks

Implies that the action leads to delays or reversals in progress, using 'setbacks'.

induce adversity

Focuses on the negative and unfavorable conditions resulting from the action, using 'adversity'.

foster impediments

Emphasizes the nurturing or promotion of hindrances, using 'impediments'.

bring about hardship

Highlights the resulting suffering or privation, replacing 'difficulty' with 'hardship'.

establish a disadvantage

Shifts the focus to creating an unfair or unfavorable position, using 'disadvantage'.

lead to trouble

Offers a more informal alternative, using 'trouble' as a general term for problems or difficulties.

FAQs

What does "create difficulty" mean?

The phrase "create difficulty" means to cause or generate problems, obstacles, or challenges that make something harder to achieve or understand.

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

You can use "create difficulty" to describe a situation or action that results in complications. For example, "The new regulations may "pose challenges" for small businesses.".

What are some alternatives to "create difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "cause problems", "present obstacles", or "generate complications" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "create difficulty" or "cause difficulty"?

Both "create difficulty" and "cause difficulty" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on your personal preference and the specific nuance you want to express. "Cause difficulty" might sound slightly more direct, while "create difficulty" can imply a more indirect or gradual process.