difficulties and complications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficulties and complications" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or obstacles that may arise in a situation or process. Example: "The project faced several difficulties and complications that delayed its completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

These are the sorts of difficulties and complications the Obama Administration has been dealing with for eight years.

The New Yorker

But they're not without their difficulties and complications, as everybody knows.

The Economist

In practice, statisticians face a number of difficulties and complications in computing the national product and income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Patient outcome, operative difficulties, and complications are discussed.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the current teaching practice of thoracic epidural procedures in the United States and to determine the effect of the teaching sequence of thoracic and lumbar epidurals on technical difficulties and complications.

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

The management of a failed shoulder arthroplasty represents a complex and difficult problem for the treating surgeon, with potential difficulties and complications that are related to the need to remove a well-fixed stem.

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A number of difficulties and complication are associated with recording the AECG.

Biological Procedures Online

Current ESD techniques have limitations including long procedure times, technical difficulty, and complications.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

We examined the effect of repair type and technique on the difficulty and complications of subsequent surgery.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

Although surgical removal of infected stents would be ideal, the potential difficulty and complications from surgical removal ought not be underestimated.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Slings for SUI appear to sustain continence over time but have been reserved for the more complex cases of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency because of the perception by many surgeons of increased technical difficulty and complication rates.

Urology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficulties and complications", be specific about the nature of the challenges and their consequences. Avoid vague or generic references.

Common error

While "difficulties and complications" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more precise language that reflects the specific challenges encountered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficulties and complications" functions as a compound noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples showcase its role in describing problems encountered in various processes, projects, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficulties and complications" is a grammatically correct and frequently used compound noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, and it appears across diverse contexts like science, news, and business. The phrase functions to describe challenges and problems, maintaining a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. When using this phrase, ensure specificity and consider alternative expressions for more precise or formal writing. Common errors include overuse and lack of contextual detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenges and obstacles

Highlights demanding tasks and impediments that need to be overcome.

challenges and complexities

Replaces "difficulties" with "challenges" to emphasize the demanding nature and "complications" with "complexities" to highlight intricate aspects.

complications and setbacks

Inverts the order and emphasizes the problematic outcomes and delays.

problems and issues

Uses more general terms for difficulties and complications, suitable for broader contexts.

complexities and issues

Combines intricate aspects with broader problems that need addressing.

setbacks and hurdles

Emphasizes obstacles and delays encountered during a process or project.

adversities and predicaments

Highlights unfavorable situations and challenging circumstances.

tribulations and snags

Implies more severe hardships and unexpected obstacles.

impediments and barriers

Focuses on elements that obstruct progress or achievement.

mishaps and adversities

Highlights unfortunate events and unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "difficulties and complications" in a sentence?

You can use "difficulties and complications" to describe challenges that arise in a process or situation. For example: "The project faced several "difficulties and complications" that delayed its completion."

What are some alternatives to "difficulties and complications"?

You can use alternatives like "challenges and complexities", "problems and issues", or "setbacks and hurdles" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use both "difficulties" and "complications"?

While there's some overlap, "difficulties" generally refers to challenges in performing a task, while "complications" suggests arising problems that make the task more complex. Using both can provide a more comprehensive picture.

When is it appropriate to use "difficulties and complications" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing situations involving both obstacles and elements that make things more intricate. It suits contexts where tasks are not only hard to achieve but also involve unexpected problems. Using the term accurately conveys the dual nature of the challenges at hand.