encounter significant difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encounter significant difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or obstacles faced in various contexts, such as projects, tasks, or personal experiences. Example: "During the implementation phase, we encountered significant difficulties that delayed our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One feature of the present and Yates' [ 1] Nottingham results that is germane, is the group called 'pre-clinical' – students who encounter significant difficulties in the early part of the course, but who then progress without further problem.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We have recently encountered significant difficulties in processing applicants in sufficient numbers through the necessary training, vetting and accreditation procedures.

BBC

The analysis of complex traits, including those involved in many common diseases, has encountered significant difficulties, and, despite major efforts during the past decade, has had little success.

Trends in Genetics

ECI agrees with the general conclusions reached by the Carter Center and others, that voters at roughly 15-20 percent of polling places encountered significant difficulties in casting their votes.

Huffington Post

Previous studies have encountered significant difficulties in developing animal models capable of reproducing human NASH.

BioMed Research International

In trypanosomes, detailed analysis demonstrated that TbAGO1-/ mutant cells encountered significant difficulties in cell cycle progression, resulting in reduced growth rate.

BMC Biology

We have encountered significant difficulties, such as probe cross-reactivity and non-specific product detection, using conventional methods, in assessing the specificity of Tβ4 knockdown as against a non-specific effect on its closest relative Thymosin beta 10 (Tβ10).

Biological Procedures Online

Two study investigators reported that their studies encountered significant difficulties in creating a sampling frame due to the lack of reliable and up-to-date information on primary care providers and practices.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Many women of childbearing age have encountered significant difficulties in daily living because of a disabling condition [ 3]; and while disabled women have the same desire and legitimate right to become mothers as other women [ 4], their parenting ability is often brought into question [ 5].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

However, as noted in Results, we encountered significant difficulty in breeding these animals and noted a high degree of lethality early in the process.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

One reason for this is because in pilot work we encountered significant difficulty in getting young children of the same age range to produce a sufficient volume of saliva necessary for the assays.

Biological Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encounter significant difficulties", specify the nature of the difficulties to provide context and clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "encounter significant difficulties" without explaining the nature or impact of these difficulties. Be specific to enhance understanding and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encounter significant difficulties" functions as a verb phrase, acting as the predicate of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly describes facing notable challenges or obstacles. Examples show its use in various contexts to indicate problems experienced.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

9%

Science & Research

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "encounter significant difficulties" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe facing notable challenges or obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly science, news media, and formal business settings. While generally neutral to formal, being specific about the nature of the difficulties enhances clarity. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "face considerable challenges" or "experience major setbacks". Avoid vagueness by always providing context to the difficulties. Ensure precision in your writing for maximum effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face considerable challenges

Replaces "difficulties" with "challenges" and "significant" with "considerable", emphasizing the demanding nature of the situation.

experience major setbacks

Substitutes "encounter" with "experience" and "significant difficulties" with "major setbacks", highlighting negative progress impacts.

run into substantial obstacles

Replaces "encounter" with "run into" and "significant difficulties" with "substantial obstacles", suggesting unexpected impediments.

meet with considerable adversity

Changes the verb to "meet with" and replaces the noun phrase with "considerable adversity", focusing on the hardship faced.

contend with formidable problems

Employs "contend with" to replace "encounter" and "formidable problems" instead of "significant difficulties", emphasizing the struggle.

grapple with serious issues

Uses "grapple with" to indicate a more prolonged struggle with "serious issues" instead of specific difficulties.

undergo substantial hardship

Shifts the focus to experiencing "substantial hardship", indicating a period of difficulty.

face tough predicaments

Replaces "encounter significant difficulties" with "face tough predicaments", suggesting challenging situations.

come up against major stumbling blocks

Uses a more figurative expression implying significant impediments to progress.

be beset by considerable problems

Changes the structure to passive voice, emphasizing that the subject is affected by considerable problems.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "encounter significant difficulties" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "face considerable challenges", "experience major setbacks", or "meet with considerable adversity" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some synonyms for "significant difficulties"?

Synonyms include "substantial obstacles", "formidable problems", "serious issues", or "major stumbling blocks", which can add variety to your writing.

Is it better to say "encounter significant difficulties" or "encounter significant challenges"?

Both are correct, but "encounter significant challenges" might be preferred when emphasizing the proactive effort to overcome hurdles, while "encounter significant difficulties" focuses more on the problematic aspects.

How to use "encounter significant difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "During the project, we "encountered significant difficulties" due to unforeseen circumstances." Ensure the context provides details about what those difficulties were.