difficulties arise

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficulties arise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever it is necessary to refer to an obstacle or problem that has recently appeared. For example, "With rising costs, difficulties arise for small businesses looking to keep their doors open."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other size-related difficulties arise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Difficulties arise here as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At this point difficulties arise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here, new difficulties arise almost from the beginning.

The Guardian - Books

But if the question "How close?" is asked, difficulties arise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Mr. Chirac, peculiar difficulties arise in part from the shape of the French system.

The New York Times

Sometimes, as well, difficulties arise from petty friction between the bureaucratic level and the ministerial level.

The Guardian - Opinion

But additional serious difficulties arise when those subject to the death penalty are mentally retarded.

The New York Times

But difficulties arise when cancer spreads, and, often, it has by the time of diagnosis.

The New York Times

Mozart's difficulties arise possibly because it is the least overblown of music.

The Guardian - Music

I cannot explain it; but when difficulties arise, I am not perplexed or doubtful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficulties arise" to introduce a problem or challenge that is emerging or becoming apparent. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "difficulties arise" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "problems come up" or "issues happen" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficulties arise" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, typically used to introduce a situation where problems or challenges are emerging. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and commonly found across diverse texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficulties arise" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces the emergence of problems or challenges. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, although it can sound overly formal in very casual settings. It commonly appears in scientific and news-related content. When aiming for more casual language, consider alternatives like "problems emerge" or "challenges surface". As supported by the multiple examples of Ludwig, "difficulties arise" is a very versatile and practical expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problems emerge

Replaces "difficulties" with "problems" and "arise" with "emerge", indicating the start of issues.

challenges surface

Substitutes "difficulties" with "challenges" and "arise" with "surface", suggesting that issues are becoming apparent.

complications ensue

Replaces "difficulties" with "complications" and "arise" with "ensue", implying that problems follow as a result.

issues crop up

Substitutes "difficulties" with "issues" and "arise" with "crop up", indicating that problems appear unexpectedly.

snags develop

Replaces "difficulties" with "snags" and "arise" with "develop", suggesting that minor problems are forming.

hitches occur

Replaces "difficulties" with "hitches" and "arise" with "occur", pointing out that slight problems are happening.

obstacles present themselves

Substitutes "difficulties" with "obstacles" and replaces "arise" with "present themselves", indicating that barriers are appearing.

setbacks materialize

Replaces "difficulties" with "setbacks" and "arise" with "materialize", implying that hindrances are becoming real.

impediments surface

Substitutes "difficulties" with "impediments" and "arise" with "surface", suggesting that obstacles are becoming visible.

risks emerge

Replaces "difficulties" with "risks" and "arise" with "emerge", indicating the start of potentially negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "difficulties arise" in a sentence?

You can use "difficulties arise" to introduce a problem or challenge that is emerging. For example, "If funding is cut, difficulties arise in maintaining the project's momentum."

What are some alternatives to "difficulties arise"?

Some alternatives include "problems emerge", "challenges surface", or "complications ensue", depending on the specific context.

Is "difficulties arise" formal or informal?

"Difficulties arise" is generally considered neutral to formal. While grammatically correct, it might sound too formal in very casual conversations. Consider the context when choosing your wording.

What's the difference between "difficulties arise" and "difficulties emerge"?

The phrases "difficulties arise" and "difficulties emerge" are largely interchangeable. "Arise" suggests coming into existence, while "emerge" suggests becoming apparent. The difference is subtle and context-dependent.