difficulty arose

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficulty arose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a challenge or obstacle has appeared. For example: We encountered a few problems during the project, but the biggest difficulty arose when we ran out of materials.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Another difficulty arose when San Jose proposed to expand its interna tional airport.

The New York Times

That November, in Missoula County, Montana, in the national contest between Hubert Humphrey and Richard Nixon, another difficulty arose.

The New Yorker

Difficulty arose in extending the beachhead, however, and by the third day of the operation the outlook was gloomy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The difficulty arose in his world view, which I thought I knew but turned out to be a little different than I'd expected, involving (in part) issues of masculinity and the like.

The New Yorker

Judge Karen O'Connor discharged the former jury after a difficulty arose that made it impossible for one juror to continue to serve, and thanked them for their attendance at Dublin circuit criminal court.

The Times

"The difficulty arose when, shortly before the meeting, an Illinois caller threatened that people were going to get hurt unless we acted as demanded regarding bullfighting," Ms. O'Brien wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The difficulty arises from the number of possible tours.

The Guardian

The first difficulty arises with the design of the TEF.

The Guardian

The main difficulty arises from finding a nice diffusion function.

Neurocomputing

The difficulty arises in the sorting — a pain in the edit-ass of big-data proportions.

The New Yorker

The biggest difficulty arises from the fact that No Impact Man lives on the ninth floor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficulty arose", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the difficulty. Provide specific details to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "difficulty arose" without specifying what the difficulty was. For instance, instead of saying "Difficulty arose", specify: "A difficulty arose regarding funding for the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficulty arose" functions as an intransitive construction indicating the emergence of a problem or challenge. Ludwig's examples show it's used to introduce complications in various scenarios, from project management to historical events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficulty arose" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce the emergence of a problem or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. Analysis of real-world examples indicates frequent usage in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it is best practice to clearly specify the nature of the difficulty to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "a problem emerged" or "an issue surfaced" can be used to add variety. Overall, "difficulty arose" is a versatile phrase suitable for various writing styles, provided that the context is clearly established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem emerged

Replaces 'difficulty' with the more general term 'problem'.

an issue surfaced

Uses 'issue' as a substitute for 'difficulty', and 'surfaced' instead of 'arose'.

a challenge presented itself

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'challenge' and uses a more descriptive verb phrase.

complications ensued

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'complications' and 'arose' with 'ensued', indicating a consequence.

a setback occurred

Uses 'setback' to replace 'difficulty', implying a temporary impediment.

an obstacle emerged

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'obstacle', suggesting something that blocks progress.

trouble began

Uses 'trouble' instead of 'difficulty' and 'began' in place of 'arose', indicating the start of problems.

a snag developed

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'snag', implying a minor problem or hindrance.

a hitch materialized

Uses 'hitch' as a replacement for 'difficulty', suggesting a temporary problem.

a predicament arose

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'predicament', indicating a difficult or unpleasant situation.

FAQs

How can I use "difficulty arose" in a sentence?

You can use "difficulty arose" to introduce a problem or challenge that emerged in a particular situation. For example, "During the experiment, a "difficulty arose" due to unexpected equipment malfunction".

What are some alternatives to saying "difficulty arose"?

Alternatives to "difficulty arose" include phrases like "a problem emerged", "an issue surfaced", or "a challenge presented itself", which can add variety to your writing.

Is "difficulty arose" formal or informal?

"Difficulty arose" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. Its appropriateness often depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.

What's the difference between "difficulty arose" and "difficulties arose"?

The difference is in number; "difficulty arose" refers to a single problem, while "difficulties arose" indicates multiple problems. The choice depends on whether you're describing one issue or several.