difficulty locating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficulty locating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a challenge or problem in finding something or someone. Example: "I experienced difficulty locating the files needed for the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's why we've had such difficulty locating them".

The Guardian

Facing higher costs, those companies are also having greater difficulty locating new oil deposits.

The New York Times

One arrives late and has difficulty locating his friend among so many black patron.

The New Yorker

Robotic devices have difficulty locating screws and their sockets and then manipulating screws and screwdrivers effectively.

MIT Technology Review

4. We are having difficulty locating Adam Shapiro from Patently Open Source.

MIT Technology Review

They have difficulty locating and picking up small objects and they lack the fine control to assemble components.

MIT Technology Review

The Yankees overcame the sloppy outing by Garcia, who said he was having difficulty locating his split-finger fastball.

The New York Times - Sports

But difficulty locating kills and objectively characterizing landscapes has complicated the comparison of male and female lion hunting strategies.

Animal Behaviour

Yet while procedures such as breast implants have become routine, he and other "grinders" often have difficulty locating skilled people who will carry out the procedures they want.

The Guardian - Tech

Lilly acknowledged that he had difficulty locating his fastball, so it was no surprise that the Mets scored at least once in every inning he worked.

The New York Times - Sports

Given the run of a pub in a Cardiff brewery the night before, even one of the dragonhood's celebrated No10s was having difficulty locating his wife's car.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and context. "Difficulty locating" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, while more informal options like "trouble finding" may be better for casual communication.

Common error

Avoid using "difficulty locating" in very simple contexts where more direct language like "can't find" would be clearer and more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficulty locating" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is used to describe a challenge or problem in finding something or someone. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from locating physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficulty locating" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe challenges encountered while finding something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While "difficulty locating" appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research, it's essential to consider the audience when selecting alternatives for clarity and conciseness. The frequency analysis reveals its prevalence in news, scientific publications, and wiki articles, suggesting its versatile nature. When in doubt about formal or informal writing select more common words like "trouble finding".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trouble finding

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same meaning, focusing on the trouble experienced in finding something.

struggle to locate

This phrase emphasizes the effort required in finding something, suggesting a more arduous search.

challenges in finding

This alternative highlights the obstacles encountered during the search, focusing on the difficulties involved.

problems identifying

This phrase shifts the focus to the identification aspect, suggesting that the difficulty lies in recognizing or confirming the location of something.

having a hard time finding

This option is more informal and emphasizes the difficulty experienced in the process of finding.

unable to pinpoint

This phrase suggests a specific inability to determine the exact location or position of something.

finding it hard to locate

This alternative inverts the structure while retaining the core meaning, emphasizing the subjective experience of difficulty.

encountering obstacles in locating

This more formal option emphasizes the barriers faced during the location process.

facing difficulties in the search for

This option is a more elaborate way of expressing the challenges encountered during a search.

experiencing trouble in tracking down

This alternative uses the phrasal verb "tracking down" to suggest a persistent effort to locate something, with associated troubles.

FAQs

What does "difficulty locating" mean?

The phrase "difficulty locating" means having trouble or challenges in finding something or someone. It implies that the process of finding is not easy or straightforward.

What can I say instead of "difficulty locating"?

You can use alternatives like "trouble finding", "struggle to locate", or "challenges in finding depending on the context.

How to use "difficulty locating" in a sentence?

You can use "difficulty locating" in a sentence like this: "The rescue team had difficulty locating the missing hikers due to the dense fog".

Is "difficulty locating" formal or informal?

"Difficulty locating" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "trouble finding" might be more appropriate.