difficult problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a demanding situation that requires a great effort to solve. For example, "The teacher presented the class with a difficult problem to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a difficult problem.

The New York Times

"That's a difficult problem".

The New York Times

It's a difficult problem.

The Guardian

'I was facing a difficult problem.

Independent

This is an incredibly difficult problem.

The New York Times

Corruption is a more obviously difficult problem.

The New York Times

So I've set myself a difficult problem".

The New Yorker

Mathematicians always like a deceptively difficult problem.

The Guardian

Pakistan poses a particularly difficult problem.

The New York Times

We're going to be rewarded for solving a difficult problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Paste printing is a difficult problem.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the nature of a "difficult problem", provide specific context to clarify the precise challenges involved. Instead of simply stating that something is a "difficult problem", elaborate on the factors that contribute to its complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult problem" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, analyze the core issue and describe it with greater precision. For example, instead of calling a supply chain disruption a "difficult problem", specify it as "supply chain disruption due to geopolitical instability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult problem" functions as a noun phrase where "difficult" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, serving to categorize and label a situation requiring significant effort or skill to resolve.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult problem" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a situation requiring significant effort to resolve. Ludwig AI validates its proper use across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid overgeneralization. Consider using alternatives like "challenging issue" or "complex matter" for nuanced communication. By understanding these linguistic aspects, you can effectively use the phrase "difficult problem" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging issue

This alternative uses "challenging" instead of "difficult", emphasizing the stimulating nature of the problem.

complex matter

This alternative uses "complex" and "matter" to highlight the multifaceted and intricate nature of the problem.

thorny question

This alternative employs "thorny" and "question" to suggest a problem that is prickly and hard to handle.

complicated situation

This alternative substitutes "difficult" with "complicated" and "problem" with "situation", indicating a complex set of circumstances.

tricky predicament

This alternative uses "tricky" and "predicament" to emphasize the cunning and potentially dangerous aspects of the problem.

intricate dilemma

This alternative employs "intricate" and "dilemma" to suggest a problem that is finely detailed and involves a difficult choice.

vexing puzzle

This alternative uses "vexing" and "puzzle" to convey a problem that is annoying and requires careful thought to solve.

convoluted affair

This alternative replaces "difficult" with "convoluted" and "problem" with "affair", indicating a complex and entangled issue.

daunting task

This alternative employs "daunting" and "task" to suggest a problem that is intimidating and requires significant effort.

onerous undertaking

This alternative uses "onerous" and "undertaking" to convey a problem that is burdensome and requires considerable effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult problem" to describe a challenging situation that requires significant effort to resolve. For instance, "Solving climate change is a "difficult problem" that requires global cooperation".

What are some alternatives to "difficult problem"?

Alternatives include "challenging issue", "complex matter", or "thorny question", each emphasizing different aspects of the problem.

Is "difficult problem" formal or informal?

The phrase "difficult problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider more precise alternatives like "complex challenge".

What makes a problem 'difficult'?

A problem may be considered "difficult" due to its complexity, lack of clear solutions, involvement of multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests, or limited available resources. Often, the best approach is to break down the "difficult problem" into smaller, more manageable tasks.