difficulty with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficulty with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that poses a challenge or obstacle. For example, "I am having difficulty with my math homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Historically, design has had difficulty with diversity.

The New York Times - Arts

I had some difficulty with 1 Down.

The New York Times

They also have difficulty with Greek statues".

The Guardian

I'm having difficulty with the question.

The New Yorker

"We have a difficulty with transport".

The New York Times

The difficulty with the Bush proposal lies in the details.

The New York Times

"I have no difficulty with that at all".

The New York Times

Spaniards generally have little difficulty with their footing on clay.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't personally have any difficulty with that word.

The Guardian

There is, I acknowledge, a difficulty, with regards to Ofcom.

The Guardian

Sometimes we have the most difficulty with the girls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficulty with", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is struggling with. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficulty with" without specifying what the difficulty pertains to. For example, instead of saying "They have difficulty with the project", clarify with "They have difficulty with the project's budgeting phase".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficulty with" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to indicate a challenge or problem that someone or something is facing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficulty with" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to express challenges or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s prevalent across various contexts, from formal news reports to scientific publications. When using this phrase, be specific about the subject encountering the difficulty to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "struggling with" or "encountering problems with" can be used for subtle variations in tone. Remember to avoid vagueness by clearly stating what the "difficulty with" actually is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a hard time with

Emphasizes the struggle involved. Slightly more informal.

struggling with

Highlights ongoing effort against the difficulty.

experiencing trouble with

Similar to "having a hard time" but slightly more general.

encountering problems with

More formal and suggests specific issues arose.

facing challenges with

Focuses on the obstacles presented by the situation.

having issues with

More informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.

grappling with

Implies a more intense and prolonged struggle.

finding it hard to cope with

Highlights the emotional and mental strain caused by the difficulty.

contending with

Suggests active opposition or resistance to the difficulty.

meeting resistance with

Focuses on the opposition or friction encountered.

FAQs

How do I use "difficulty with" in a sentence?

Use "difficulty with" to describe a challenge or problem someone is facing. For example, "I am having "difficulty with" this math problem" or "She experiences "difficulty with" public speaking".

What are some alternatives to "difficulty with"?

You can use phrases like "struggling with", "having trouble with", or "encountering problems with" as alternatives to "difficulty with", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "difficulty with" or "difficulties with"?

While both can be correct, "difficulty with" is generally used for a singular, overarching problem, whereas "difficulties with" implies multiple distinct challenges. The choice depends on whether you're referring to one general issue or several specific ones.

What is the difference between "difficulty with" and "difficulty in"?

"Difficulty with" is generally used before a noun or gerund, while "difficulty in" is typically followed by a gerund. For example, "difficulty with a task" versus "difficulty in completing a task".