difficulties present themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficulties present themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or obstacles that arise in a situation or process. Example: "When working on complex projects, it's common that difficulties present themselves unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And the emergence of new economic powers, especially China, has given fresh respectability to the old notion of state capitalism: more and more of the world's biggest companies are state-owned, and more and more of its biggest investors are now sovereign-wealth funds.What should be done?Many difficulties present themselves to those who would reform the state.

The Economist

Chickens give up easily and tend to be fragile and don't stay the course when difficulties present themselves.

Huffington Post

At least five difficulties present themselves when trying to understand the functions of individual members of such a large superfamily of genes.

Breast Cancer Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It examines the difficulties and opportunities that present themselves in teaching a VDS.

Automation in Construction

But in the Middle East the difficulties present not just another case of traditional societies having to come to terms with the forces of modernization.

The New York Times - Books

The difficulties presented by each job are different, and we acknowledge that to each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I had the opportunity to see firsthand the difficulties presented to the Palestinians by the current situation," he said.

The New York Times

But no terrorist group has claimed responsibility, highlighting the difficulties presented by so-called "lone wolves" for authorities.

The Guardian

Eiko, the ebullient female half of the duo, threw back her head in delighted laughter at the difficulties presented by "When Nights Were Dark".

The New York Times - Arts

Dame Judi trod the boards on election night in The Vote at the Donmar Warehouse in London, finding subtle ways to circumnavigate the difficulties presented by macular degeneration.

The Guardian - Opinion

A fair and good rating system is desirable, I agree, but only with an understanding of the difficulties presented by the nature of the two professions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficulties present themselves" when you want to emphasize that challenges arise naturally or unexpectedly as part of a process or situation. It's suitable for formal writing and adds a touch of sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "difficulties present themselves" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "problems arise" or "challenges come up" are more appropriate for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficulties present themselves" functions as a statement indicating the emergence of challenges. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English. It suggests that problems naturally arise within a given context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficulties present themselves" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the emergence of challenges or problems. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its formality makes it more suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reporting, scientific writing, and business communications. Alternatives like "challenges arise" or "problems emerge" may be more appropriate for informal settings. The phrase's relative infrequency suggests it should be used judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid overly complex language in everyday conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenges arise

Replaces "difficulties" with "challenges" and uses the verb "arise" instead of "present themselves".

problems emerge

Substitutes "difficulties" with "problems" and uses "emerge" to indicate their appearance.

issues surface

Replaces "difficulties" with "issues" and uses "surface" to convey that they become noticeable.

obstacles appear

Substitutes "difficulties" with "obstacles" and uses "appear" to suggest their presence.

complications ensue

Replaces "difficulties present themselves" with a more formal expression.

setbacks arise

Replaces "difficulties" with "setbacks," focusing on negative consequences.

predicaments unfold

Replaces "difficulties present themselves" with a more dramatic expression.

hardships emerge

Replaces "difficulties" with "hardships," emphasizing the severity of the problems.

challenges come to light

Emphasizes the revealing or discovery of challenges.

problems become apparent

Focuses on the increasing visibility and understanding of problems.

FAQs

How can I use "difficulties present themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "difficulties present themselves" to indicate that challenges or problems arise during a process or situation. For example: "When implementing new policies, "difficulties present themselves" unexpectedly".

What are some alternatives to "difficulties present themselves"?

Some alternatives to "difficulties present themselves" include "challenges arise", "problems emerge", or "issues surface".

Is "difficulties present themselves" formal or informal?

"Difficulties present themselves" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler phrases may be more suitable.

What does "difficulties present themselves" mean?

"Difficulties present themselves" means that challenges, problems, or obstacles arise or become apparent in a given situation or process.