Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
critical difficulty
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "critical difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or severe level of challenge or problem in a particular context. Example: "The project faced critical difficulty due to unforeseen technical issues that delayed the timeline."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
The most critical difficulty in catalyst testing is to obtain information about the catalyst performance without the influence of transport phenomena due to the flow, the catalyst, and the reactor geometry.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
The transmissions reflect the critical difficulties faced by those who survived the plane crashes, yet were unable to escape the buildings.
News & Media
Behaviorism stumbled upon various critical difficulties with some of its commitments.
Science
Also, critical difficulties associated with utilization of crack closure concept are cross-examined.
However, both selection inconsistency and the intractable computational cost pose critical difficulties when implementing forecasting tasks.
Science
One of critical difficulties of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in protein structure refinement is that the physics-based energy landscape lacks a middle-range funnel to guide nonnative conformations toward near-native states.
Science
However, as-built BIM creation of building interiors using scanned point clouds incurs critical difficulties: the complex design of indoor structures, not to mention obstacles, necessitates time-consuming manual operation and resultantly huge data sizes, which often leads to system slow-down or failure.
Science
The sample size of five interviews was determined by the point at which data saturation occurred, that is, the interpretations were consistent and appropriate, and no new critical difficulties emerged [ 28].
Science
Adding mirrors indeed increased the signals attenuation but induced critical alignment difficulties.
This paper is to study the unauthorized urban neighborhoods, which cause critical multifaceted difficulties.
The need to show the effectiveness of interventions was critical, yet difficulties with data and information systems hindered pursuit of this.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "critical difficulty", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the difficulty. Be specific about the nature of the problem.
Common error
Avoid using "critical difficulty" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "big problem" or "tough challenge" for better flow.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "critical difficulty" primarily functions as a noun phrase where "critical" modifies "difficulty", indicating a significant or crucial problem. Ludwig AI confirms this, as shown in the examples provided.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
27%
Formal & Business
23%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "critical difficulty" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's employed to denote a significant or severe problem, predominantly in formal contexts such as science, news media, and business. When using "critical difficulty", ensure clarity by specifying the cause and nature of the difficulty. While various alternatives exist—like "significant challenge" or "major obstacle"—it is vital to consider the context and desired level of formality. Avoiding its overuse in casual settings maintains the phrase's impact and appropriateness.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
significant challenge
Focuses on the substantial nature of the challenge.
major obstacle
Highlights the impediment aspect of the difficulty.
severe problem
Emphasizes the seriousness and impact of the difficulty.
key issue
Focuses on the importance and centrality of the difficulty.
pressing concern
Highlights the urgency and need for attention related to the difficulty.
serious impediment
Combines severity and obstruction aspects.
primary challenge
Highlights the main or most important challenge.
crucial hurdle
Emphasizes the essential nature of overcoming the difficulty.
vital problem
Emphasizes the importance of solving the problem.
essential difficulty
Highlights the fundamental and necessary nature of the difficulty.
FAQs
How can I use "critical difficulty" in a sentence?
Use "critical difficulty" to describe a significant problem that hinders progress or success. For example: "The project faced a "critical difficulty" due to unforeseen technical issues."
What are some alternatives to "critical difficulty"?
You can use alternatives such as "significant challenge", "major obstacle", or "severe problem" depending on the specific context.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "critical difficulty"?
The phrase "critical difficulty" is appropriate in formal and professional contexts, particularly when describing significant problems in technical, academic, or business settings.
Is "critical difficulty" the same as "serious difficulty"?
While similar, ""critical difficulty"" often implies that the difficulty is not only serious but also fundamentally impacts the success or viability of something, whereas "serious difficulty" may simply indicate a high degree of trouble.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested