difficulty of

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficulty of" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the challenge that someone or something faces. For example, "The difficulty of passing the test was amplified by the scarcity of adequate study material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The difficulty of correlating,….

The New Yorker

The difficulty of baseball is imperious".

The New York Times

Talks about the difficulty of writing.

The New Yorker

"Difficulty of understanding is not uncommon".

The New York Times

Janet Malcolm on the difficulty of writing autobiography.

The New Yorker

The difficulty of adjusting drags on.

The New York Times

I concede the difficulty of this task.

The New York Times - Magazine

Difficulty of meeting boats at Hoboken.

The New Yorker

"That's the difficulty of that play".

The New York Times - Sports

Turkey illustrates the difficulty of monitoring borders.

The New York Times

But the difficulty of United's task was frequently exposed.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficulty of", ensure that the noun following "of" is specific and clearly defines what is challenging. For example, instead of saying "the difficulty of the situation", specify "the difficulty of managing the crisis".

Common error

Avoid using "difficulty of" with vague nouns. Saying "the difficulty of things" lacks clarity. Instead, pinpoint the specific area of challenge, such as "the difficulty of implementing new policies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficulty of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It typically introduces the specific element or task that presents a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

30%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficulty of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates the challenges associated with a particular subject or action. Ludwig AI highlights its versatility across diverse contexts, although specifying the nature of the difficulty improves clarity. It is commonly found in news, scientific writing, and general discussions, making it suitable for various communication styles. Alternatives such as "challenge posed by" or "complexity involved in" can add variety, but it's crucial to consider the specific nuance each brings. By adhering to best practices and avoiding overgeneralization, you can harness the full potential of "difficulty of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge posed by

Focuses on the challenging aspect introduced by a particular situation or task.

complexity involved in

Highlights the intricate and complicated nature of something.

problem associated with

Draws attention to a specific problem connected to a topic.

hardship presented by

Emphasizes the difficult or adverse conditions caused by something.

struggle with

Indicates a continuous effort against something challenging.

impediment to

Focuses on something that obstructs or hinders progress.

obstacle in

Highlights something that stands in the way of achieving a goal.

predicament concerning

Indicates a difficult or unpleasant situation.

trouble with

Implies problems or difficulties encountered in relation to something.

burden of

Highlights the heavy or onerous aspect of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "difficulty of" is used to express how challenging or problematic something is. For example, "The "difficulty of the task" was underestimated" or "They discussed the "difficulty of the situation" with the team".

What are some alternatives to "difficulty of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "challenge posed by", "complexity involved in", or "problem associated with" instead of "difficulty of".

Is it grammatically correct to say "difficulty of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Difficulty" is a noun, and "of" is a preposition that connects it to another noun or noun phrase, indicating what is difficult. For instance, "the difficulty of the climb".

What's the difference between "difficulty of" and "difficulties with"?

"Difficulty of" generally refers to the inherent challenge something presents (e.g., "the difficulty of solving the problem"). "Difficulties with" suggests specific problems encountered while doing something (e.g., "difficulties with data collection").