difficult need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult need" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you are describing a need that is challenging to fulfill or address. Example: "The project presented a difficult need for resources that we struggled to meet."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"All of the problems that they've solved with one-shot revenues will be back in full bloom when we do the 2004 budget, plus all the other things that will result from what we know will be a very difficult need in Albany," Mr. Gaffney said in an interview today.

The New York Times

The growth of these text-heavy communication mediums has reduced the awkward or difficult need for deaf people to rely on a phone call to make a reservation or have a conversation.

BBC

Along with other mentors, Mrs. Weissenberg taught him that his "circumstances, though difficult, need not be permanent, even if he was "surrounded by adults who had every reason to curb [his] dreams".

Huffington Post

Such quantitative studies, even though difficult, need be accomplished with a greater number of patients.

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Many years ago, starting a business was difficult, needing vast reserves of capital and requiring founders to give up their careers just to try a new idea.

TechCrunch

"That's where the difficult negotiations need to happen, costings need to be bottomed out".

BBC

"Difficult decisions need to be made across government to reduce the deficit and ensure the sustainability of our public services.

The Guardian

When the going gets phenomenally difficult, you need courage and commitment to succeed, not just a wifi hotspot.

The Guardian - Opinion

If automation of this method is difficult, workers need to insert the expansion agent by themselves.

ROBOMECH Journal

The electrochemical reactions are difficult and need a lot of explanation.

Chemistry Central Journal

However, Borucki admits that the measurements "will be difficult and need a lot of work".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "difficult need", ensure the context clearly specifies what makes the need challenging. Be precise about the nature of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult need" too frequently in formal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound awkward. Opt for more common alternatives like "challenging requirement" or "complex necessity" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult need" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "need". It describes a requirement or necessity that is challenging or hard to fulfill. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult need" is a grammatically correct but infrequently used phrase to describe a challenging requirement. Ludwig AI suggests that it is not very common, and this is confirmed by the small number of examples found. While acceptable, especially in news and scientific contexts, alternatives like "challenging requirement" or "complex necessity" may sound more natural and professional. When using "difficult need", ensure the context clearly explains the nature of the difficulty. Overuse in formal writing should be avoided to maintain a smooth and idiomatic style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging requirement

Emphasizes the difficulty of the requirement itself.

complex necessity

Highlights the intricate nature of what is necessary.

pressing issue

Focuses on the urgency and importance of the matter.

critical demand

Stresses the importance and urgency of the demand.

serious requirement

Highlights the gravity of the requirement.

urgent necessity

Emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of the need.

significant challenge

Shifts focus to the obstacle presented by the need.

demanding obligation

Highlights the stringent nature of the obligation.

onerous task

Emphasizes the burdensome nature of the task at hand.

problematic imperative

Highlights the challenging and compulsory nature of the need.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "difficult need" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives such as "challenging requirement", "complex necessity", or depending on the context, "pressing issue".

What makes "difficult need" sound awkward in some contexts?

While grammatically correct, "difficult need" is not a frequently used phrase. This can make it sound less idiomatic and more forced than alternatives. Choosing a more common synonym often improves clarity and flow.

Is "difficult need" grammatically incorrect?

No, "difficult need" is grammatically sound. "Difficult" is an adjective modifying the noun "need". However, its infrequent use may make it a less desirable choice in certain writing situations.

In what situations is "difficult need" most appropriate?

The phrase "difficult need" might be suitable when you want to specifically emphasize both the challenging nature and the necessity of something. However, consider whether a more common and natural-sounding alternative might be a better fit for your overall tone and clarity.