face a similar difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face a similar difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or obstacles that are comparable to those previously mentioned or experienced. Example: "Many students face a similar difficulty when trying to balance their studies with part-time jobs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If a committee of Nobel Prize winners set out to apologize for the sins of science, they would face a similar difficulty, although on a more mundane level.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It seems to be working: revenues this year will be around $60m.Decode faced a similar difficulty in bringing its new genetic test for type II diabetes to market.

The Economist

"The problem for Obama is that he will be limiting himself in the expertise he can tap," said Martha Kumar, a Towson University professor who studies presidential transitions, noting that President Bill Clinton faced a similar difficulty with less sweeping rules.

The New York Times

We also faced a similar difficulty.

Earth, Planets and Space

(2) The VCA method faces a similar difficulty with kernel method, that is, restriction on the scale of training set [7].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Ironically, the world now faces a similar economic difficulty as before Copenhagen in 2009, only the U.S. and China have switched positions.

Huffington Post

Although those who use auditory communication (ie: cochlear implants, hearing aids, lip reading) may not utilize an interpreter for job interviews, they face a similar set of difficulties during the hiring process.

Huffington Post

The family of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, one of the two men accused of carrying out the Boston Marathon bombing attack in 2013, faced similar difficulty finding a place to bury his body after the attack.

Huffington Post

In addition to Illinois faculty and students, California and other state university systems have faced and are facing similar difficulties.

Huffington Post

Despite its explicitly modal character, the Modal Approach does face a difficulty similar to the one faced by the Question Approach.

SEP

The Whig Party faced similar difficulty in reaching the required majority for a nomination but on the 53rd ballot settled on Winfield Scott, the foremost American military figure between the Revolution and the Civil War, over Pres.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "face a similar difficulty", ensure the context clearly establishes what the initial difficulty was to create a direct and understandable comparison for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "face a similar difficulty" multiple times within a short passage. Opt for synonyms or rephrase the sentence to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face a similar difficulty" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something experiences a challenge analogous to one previously mentioned. As evidenced by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face a similar difficulty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, according to Ludwig AI, designed to draw parallels between distinct situations by highlighting the challenges they share. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as science-related content, its neutral register makes it versatile for various writing contexts. However, it is advised to avoid overuse and to clearly establish the initial difficulty for effective comparison. For alternative expressions, consider "encounter a comparable challenge" or "experience a similar issue". This phrase is an effective tool for writers aiming to create connections and provide context in their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter a comparable challenge

Replaces "face" with "encounter" and "difficulty" with "challenge", offering a slightly more formal tone.

experience a similar issue

Substitutes "face" with "experience" and "difficulty" with "issue", providing a simpler and more direct expression.

confront a comparable problem

Uses "confront" in place of "face" and "problem" instead of "difficulty", suggesting a more active engagement with the challenge.

run into a similar obstacle

Employs "run into" to replace "face", and "obstacle" for "difficulty", implying an unexpected encounter with the challenge.

meet a parallel hardship

Replaces "face" with "meet" and "difficulty" with "hardship", emphasizing the severity of the challenge.

undergo a like predicament

Uses "undergo" instead of "face" and "predicament" for "difficulty", suggesting a more passive experience of the challenge.

be in a comparable situation

Shifts the focus to the overall situation rather than the specific difficulty, offering a broader perspective.

find oneself in a similar plight

Replaces "face a difficulty" with "find oneself in a plight", adding a sense of misfortune and shared suffering.

share a common struggle

Focuses on the shared nature of the difficulty, emphasizing the collective aspect of the experience.

bear a corresponding burden

Employs "bear" instead of "face" and "burden" for "difficulty", highlighting the weight and responsibility associated with the challenge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "face a similar difficulty" to sound more formal?

In formal writing, you can use phrases like "encounter a comparable challenge" or "experience a like issue" to maintain a professional tone.

What's a simpler way to say "face a similar difficulty"?

For a more straightforward approach, try "have a similar problem" or "share a similar issue". These options are direct and easy to understand.

Is there a difference between "face a similar difficulty" and "encounter a similar difficulty"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same basic meaning, "encounter a similar difficulty" might imply a more unexpected or chance meeting with the problem compared to "face a similar difficulty".

When is it appropriate to use "face a similar difficulty" in writing?

Use "face a similar difficulty" when you want to draw a parallel between two distinct situations, highlighting that the challenges involved share significant characteristics.