Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
difficulty and speed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "difficulty and speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the relationship or trade-off between how challenging a task is and how quickly it can be completed. Example: "When learning a new language, there is often a balance between difficulty and speed; some may find it easier to learn quickly but struggle with complex grammar."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Fitting the proportional-rate diffusion model to the data clearly showed a coupling between stimulus difficulty and the speed and accuracy of perceptual choices in both the RTP and RDM tasks (see the supplementary materials for the parameter values).
I asked 10 students to do their best to destroy their sheets of paper and compared this inconvenience and difficulty with the speed and effortless deletion operation in the online software embedded on the lecture hall computer.
News & Media
Possible strategies include marking landings, smaller TPs for progression to larger features, marking feature difficulty, controlling speed and slope for take-offs and landings, enforcing TP etiquette rules or reducing the height of aerial features.
It has been suggested that the inclusion of images in arithmetic examinations may increase item difficulty and slow down the speed at which students are able to process information, leading to increased testing time and item difficulty [ 2].
Science
Partially out of difficulty, and partially from the rapid speed of progress, few basic studies on the role of the physical structure of the resin have been undertaken, and the dissemination of the existing knowledge has been slow.
The difficulties arise from the limitations of the storage and speed of PC.
Science
Domain knowledge difficulties included understanding that speed varies based on angle of the rollercoaster track segment and difficulties in understanding how rollercoaster motion can be characterized by acceleration and speed.
ASSISTments measures that may gauge problem difficulty include mastery speed and attempt count (how many problems and attempts it takes students to master a skill), hint requests (how much help students need before they are able to solve a problem), and attrition (students' persistence in solving the problem).
The first hypovigilance signs are itchy eyes, neck stiffness, back pain, yawning, difficulty to stabilize speed and to maintain trajectory, frequent position changes, and inattention to environment (road signs, pedestrian).
For example, when cruise control and speed limiters were used, drivers showed reduced ability to merge into traffic due to greater difficulty in modulating vehicle speed.
News & Media
They found that 10 out of 10 quadriplegic patients, one nearly locked-in patient with some signs of twitching below the neck, and two out of three locked-in patients used the typing program without much difficulty, increasing their speed and accuracy with each use.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing project management, clearly define the relationship between the project's "difficulty and speed" to set realistic expectations and allocate resources effectively.
Common error
Avoid treating "difficulty and speed" as independent factors. Acknowledge that increased difficulty may necessitate reduced speed or require additional resources to maintain the same pace.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "difficulty and speed" functions as a compound noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's analysis confirms it's a standard English phrase.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "difficulty and speed" is a grammatically sound and understandable construct used to describe the correlation or trade-off between the complexity of a task and the rate at which it is performed. While "difficulty and speed" is relatively simple, its effective use in communication requires careful consideration of context and appropriate terminology, as confirmed by Ludwig. Understanding the delicate balance between "difficulty and speed" can greatly enhance clarity and precision. Since no examples were found, this analysis relies on the general properties of the words used in the phrase.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
challenges and pace
Focuses on the demanding aspects and the rate at which something progresses, emphasizing a balance or contrast between them.
complexity and velocity
Highlights the intricate nature of something and the swiftness with which it occurs, often used in technical contexts.
complications and pace
Highlights the intricate nature of something and the swiftness with which it occurs, often used in technical contexts.
obstacles and tempo
Emphasizes impediments encountered and the rhythm or rate at which something happens, suggesting a struggle against constraints.
hardship and swiftness
Draws attention to the arduous nature of a situation and the quickness with which actions are taken or events unfold.
tribulations and haste
Draws attention to the arduous nature of a situation and the quickness with which actions are taken or events unfold.
predicaments and quickness
Highlights challenging situations and the rapidity with which a response or solution is needed, suggesting urgency.
issues and rate
Highlights challenging situations and the rapidity with which a response or solution is needed, suggesting urgency.
struggles and momentum
Focuses on the effortful aspects of a task and the driving force or pace at which it is carried out, implying persistence.
problems and tempo
Focuses on the effortful aspects of a task and the driving force or pace at which it is carried out, implying persistence.
FAQs
How does task difficulty influence the required speed?
Generally, higher task difficulty necessitates a reduction in "speed" to maintain accuracy and quality. Complex tasks often require more time and deliberation.
What are some strategies to balance "difficulty and speed" in learning?
Strategies include breaking down complex topics into smaller, manageable sections to tackle the "difficulty", and using spaced repetition to improve retention "speed".
How can you measure the relationship between "difficulty and speed"?
Metrics can include time to completion, error rates, and subjective assessments of mental effort. Analyzing these metrics helps understand the trade-off between "difficulty" and "speed".
What factors affect the correlation between "difficulty and speed" in problem-solving?
Factors such as prior experience, available resources, and the complexity of the problem influence how "difficulty" affects problem-solving "speed".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested