find difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

"find difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is hard to do or hard to figure out. For example: "She found it difficult to find a solution to her problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Banks that expand aggressively may find difficulties," he says.

The Economist

I have prepared him to find difficulties in the present political situation of New York.

The New Yorker

Only someone perversely determined to find difficulties could put any other interpretation on [Thursday's] statement from the Provos.

The Guardian

"It's bad for everyone," one child is quoted as saying, "but it's more common for someone who's just come here from a different country, as their culture's crushed … they have a different culture and they don't understand the phrases or the sayings, and they might find difficulties in coming together".

The Guardian

Nevertheless, traditional data mining techniques find difficulties in their application on current scenarios, due to the complexity previously mentioned.

Future Generation Computer Systems

What's more, local businesses often find difficulties in updating and maintaining their websites with relevant content, and making their sites into workable, valuable communication platforms.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

My father, Wang Bingzhang, is among those who would find difficulty feeling optimistic about these new changes.

The Guardian - Opinion

How might celebrities find difficulty in differentiating between their private and public lives?

The New York Times

In September 1993, Murdoch wrote in her diary: "Find difficulty in thinking and writing".

The New York Times - Arts

As a result they can find difficulty expressing the value of the work that they carry out.

The Guardian

It is we, corralled in the organisational silos of the 21st century, who find difficulty in seeing their interrelationship.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "find difficulties", clearly specify the context or area where the difficulties are encountered to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They find difficulties", specify "They find difficulties in adapting to the new environment".

Common error

Avoid using "find difficulties" without providing specific details about the nature of the difficulties. Instead of a vague statement, clarify what makes something difficult, enhancing the statement's informative value. For example, instead of "Many students find difficulties", try "Many students find difficulties understanding the complex equations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find difficulties" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject is experiencing or encountering problems. It is often followed by a prepositional phrase specifying the area or context where these difficulties arise. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, where various subjects "find difficulties" in different situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "find difficulties" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express that someone or something is encountering problems or challenges. Ludwig AI indicates that it is suitable for written English. While it appears across various contexts, it is particularly frequent in scientific and news media sources. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the context in which the difficulties arise. Consider alternatives such as "struggle with" or "encounter problems" for nuanced meanings. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and provide specific details about the nature of the difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter obstacles

Focuses on the act of running into impediments or obstructions, rather than just experiencing difficulty.

face challenges

Emphasizes the confrontation of difficulties, suggesting a more active engagement with problems.

struggle with

Highlights the effort and strain involved in dealing with a problem or task.

have trouble with

Indicates a general lack of ease or success in a particular area.

experience hardship

Conveys a sense of suffering or adversity, suggesting a more severe form of difficulty.

meet with adversity

Highlights the encounter with unfavorable circumstances or misfortune.

contend with problems

Suggests an ongoing effort to manage and overcome difficulties.

grapple with issues

Implies a more intense and prolonged struggle to understand or resolve complex matters.

run into snags

Indicates encountering unexpected minor problems or obstacles.

hit roadblocks

Signifies encountering obstacles that prevent progress or forward movement.

FAQs

How can I use "find difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "find difficulties" to indicate that someone is experiencing problems or challenges. For example, "New immigrants often "find difficulties" adapting to a new culture".

What's a more formal way to say "find difficulties"?

More formal alternatives include "encounter challenges", "experience difficulties", or "face obstacles". These alternatives often suit academic or professional contexts better than ""find difficulties"".

Is it correct to say "find difficulty" instead of "find difficulties"?

While "find difficulty" is occasionally used, ""find difficulties"" is generally preferred as it implies a range or collection of problems rather than a single, isolated issue.

What are some common synonyms for "find difficulties"?

Common synonyms include "struggle with", "have trouble with", or "encounter problems". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.