difficult conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

'difficult conditions' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any kind of conditions that are challenging for someone to face. Example: The employees are facing difficult conditions due to the new working hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Farmers are facing difficult conditions.

The New York Times

Many issuers encountered "very difficult conditions".

The New York Times

The fund has imposed two difficult conditions.

The New York Times

He was terrific in difficult conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

"We did a professional job in difficult conditions," said Benitez.

The Guardian - Sport

They're doing their jobs diligently and seriously under difficult conditions.

The New York Times

They worked quickly in difficult conditions to tackle the fire".

The Guardian

Ms. Glorian said: "We started in really difficult conditions.

The New York Times - Food

It really does look like difficult conditions out there.

The Guardian - Sport

Difficult conditions, of course, but still: some quality, please!

The Guardian - Sport

The Willingness to Persevere in Difficult Conditions Test.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation, be specific about what makes the "difficult conditions" challenging. For example, instead of saying "They worked in difficult conditions", specify "They worked in difficult conditions, facing extreme weather and limited resources".

Common error

While "difficult conditions" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging circumstances", "tough environment", or /s/adverse+conditions instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult conditions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "conditions". It describes circumstances characterized by hardship, adversity, or challenges. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase is both correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Huffington Post

6%

The New York Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult conditions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe challenging circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts. While appropriate for both formal and informal communication, remember to be specific about the challenges presented by the conditions to enhance clarity. Be mindful of overuse by employing synonyms such as "challenging circumstances" or "adverse conditions". As seen from the Ludwig examples, the phrase frequently appears in news, formal business and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging circumstances

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation.

tough circumstances

Highlights the severity and resilience required.

adverse conditions

Focuses on the negative impact of the conditions.

harsh realities

Implies a stark and often unpleasant truth about the situation.

testing environment

Suggests a situation that evaluates one's abilities or resilience.

demanding situations

Highlights the requirements and effort needed to navigate the situation.

unfavorable circumstances

Focuses on the lack of advantages or support.

precarious situations

Implies a sense of instability and potential danger.

trying circumstances

Emphasizes the emotional or mental strain caused by the situation.

grim realities

Highlights the depressing and severe aspects of the situations.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult conditions" to describe situations presenting challenges. For example, "The rescue team operated under "difficult conditions" due to the storm" or "The company faced "difficult conditions" during the economic recession".

What are some synonyms for "difficult conditions"?

Alternatives include "challenging circumstances", "tough environment", "adverse conditions", or "hardship", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "difficult conditions" or "challenging conditions"?

Both "difficult conditions" and "challenging conditions" are acceptable. "Difficult" emphasizes hardship, while "challenging" suggests a test of abilities. Choose the word that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

What kind of conditions can be described as "difficult conditions"?

"Difficult conditions" can refer to a wide range of scenarios, including extreme weather, economic hardship, political instability, or demanding work environments. The key is that the conditions present significant obstacles or challenges.