facing a difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facing a difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is encountering a challenge or obstacle. Example: "She is facing a difficulty in completing her project on time due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For an artist, a good place to be is you have some kind of influence and power to get things done, but in your essence you remain a nomad or a soldier facing a difficulty to be overcome.

The New York Times - Magazine

As wind has become an increasing component of UK electricity generation, those tasked with matching UK supply with demand are increasingly facing a difficulty when usage spikes at times of when wind speeds drop.

The Guardian

John Dixon told a committee of MPs that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which drafts the politically contentious rules, was facing a "difficulty … [it] needs to address" because the codes established decades ago never envisaged an explosion in online commerce.

The Guardian - Business

Students are facing a difficulty either in understanding native speakers or in producing native-like English (accent/pronunciation).

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But Russia faces a difficulty, too.

The Economist

But Mr. Clinton faces a difficulty that the ordinary writer -- even the ordinary presidential writer -- doesn't.

The New York Times

But about to go back on tour, the comedian faces a difficulty: kids want to see him live.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Netanyahu faces a difficulty in trying to reassure Washington that he is interested in a deal with the Palestinians while not appearing weak at home.

The Guardian

But he said the bank faced a difficulty in trying to communicate two seemingly conflicting messages: that inflation was still a concern, but that it would also probably moderate over the next year.

The New York Times

Abelard's position was shown to face a difficulty by Alberic of Paris in the 1130s.

SEP

But the theory faces a difficulty with so-called extensive properties like mass and shape.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "facing a difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific problem or challenge is being encountered. Providing details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "facing a difficulty" as a vague substitute for specific problems. Instead of saying "The company is facing a difficulty", specify the exact nature of the problem, such as "The company is facing a difficulty with supply chain logistics" to provide better context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facing a difficulty" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of encountering or dealing with a challenging situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "facing a difficulty" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing the experience of encountering challenges, as affirmed by Ludwig. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, and to a lesser extent in Formal & Business settings. Alternatives like "encountering a problem" or "experiencing a challenge" can offer slight variations in tone and emphasis. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context for clarity and avoid broad generalizations, thereby maximizing its impact and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountering a problem

Replaces "difficulty" with the more general term "problem".

experiencing a challenge

Substitutes "difficulty" with "challenge", suggesting a test of one's abilities.

dealing with an obstacle

Replaces "facing" with "dealing with" and "difficulty" with "obstacle", emphasizing active management of a hindrance.

grappling with a setback

Uses stronger terms like "grappling" and "setback" to convey a more intense struggle.

confronting an issue

Replaces "difficulty" with "issue", which can refer to a broader range of problems.

up against a tough situation

Emphasizes the severity of the difficulty by describing it as a "tough situation".

in the midst of a struggle

Highlights the ongoing nature of the difficulty and the effort required to overcome it.

contending with adversity

Replaces "difficulty" with "adversity", indicating a more significant and persistent challenge.

beset by complications

Uses "beset" and "complications" to imply a situation surrounded by multiple problems.

navigating a hurdle

Presents the difficulty as a "hurdle" that needs to be overcome through careful maneuvering.

FAQs

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

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "encountering an obstacle", "confronting a challenge", or "grappling with a setback".

What is a less formal way to say "facing a difficulty"?

For less formal situations, you might use phrases like "having trouble with" or "running into problems".

Is "facing a difficulty" the same as "experiencing a difficulty"?

While very similar, "experiencing a difficulty" may imply a passive state, whereas "facing a difficulty" suggests a more active engagement with the problem. Both are generally interchangeable, but consider the nuance.

Can "facing a difficulty" be used in all types of writing?

Yes, "facing a difficulty" is versatile and appropriate for various writing styles, but always consider your audience and the overall tone. More specific or vivid language may be preferable in certain contexts.