difficulty communicating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficulty communicating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenge someone faces in expressing thoughts or ideas effectively, whether verbally or in writing. Example: "She has been experiencing difficulty communicating her feelings to her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Disabilities

Communication challenges

Professional settings

Medical contexts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tom had difficulty communicating.

The New York Times

At first, she and Rinri have difficulty communicating.

The New York Times - Books

Some children have difficulty communicating, learning and socializing.

The New York Times

Dyslexics, after all, seem to have no difficulty communicating orally.

The Economist

They may parrot words but have difficulty communicating even basic needs.

The New York Times

Warner also said he had had recent difficulty communicating with his clients.

The Guardian

Children with the condition have difficulty communicating or forming relationships, and they often have repetitive actions.

The New York Times

Aside from having difficulty communicating, many of the students have trouble understanding their feelings.

MIT Technology Review

Older adults have difficulty communicating with health care professionals, including pharmacists.

Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

The engineer might encounter difficulty communicating the questions and answers to a broader audience.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

In an early scene, Anderson was having difficulty communicating the emotion he wanted Adam Sandler to bring to his role.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using the phrase "difficulty communicating". In formal settings, maintain a professional tone, while in informal contexts, you can use more casual language.

Common error

Avoid attributing "difficulty communicating" to a single cause. Communication issues often stem from a combination of factors, such as language barriers, cultural differences, or individual communication styles. Acknowledge this complexity to avoid making inaccurate assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficulty communicating" functions primarily as a noun phrase functioning as an object or complement, describing a challenge or impairment related to the ability to convey or exchange information. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficulty communicating" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe challenges in conveying or exchanging information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like ""trouble communicating"" or ""difficulty articulating"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. When using this phrase, remember to be specific about the communication context and consider the audience to ensure clarity and appropriateness. Avoiding overgeneralization of the underlying causes is also crucial for accurate and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trouble communicating

Offers a more informal way to express the same challenge.

issues communicating

A more general way to say "difficulty communicating".

challenge communicating

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge", suggesting a problem that needs effort to overcome.

difficulty articulating

Focuses on the challenge of expressing thoughts clearly and distinctly.

challenges communicating

Uses plural form to show there are multiple issues in communicating.

difficulty interacting

Emphasizes the struggle in engaging with others socially and exchanging information.

complexity communicating

Highlights the intricate nature of the communication problem.

difficulty delivering

Underscores problems in conveying a message or information.

constraints communicating

Focuses on the limits in communication and what causes the difficulty.

difficulty contacting

Highlights the problem of establishing contact or connection with someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficulty communicating" to describe someone's struggle to convey their thoughts or understand others, such as, "Patients with aphasia often experience "difficulty communicating" effectively."

What are some alternative phrases for "difficulty communicating"?

Alternatives include "trouble communicating", "difficulty articulating", or "challenges communicating" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "difficulty communicating" or "communication difficulties"?

Both are correct, but "difficulty communicating" focuses on the act of communicating, while "communication difficulties" refers to the problems themselves. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What causes "difficulty communicating"?

Many reasons can result in "difficulty communicating", from physical conditions such as aphasia, to psychological conditions such as autism, or even linguistic barriers or cultural differences.