find oneself in difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find oneself in difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is experiencing trouble or challenges. Example: "During the project, I found myself in difficulty when the software crashed unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

if you are not fluent, you may find yourself in difficulty.

Cornell University

Here's what to do if you find yourself in difficulty.

The Guardian

Sometimes companies can find themselves in difficulty simply by being associated with a wider issue.

The Guardian

They could find themselves in difficulty, especially outside a small group of institutions, where there will always be demand.

The Guardian

Firms must ensure that they are taking into account the particular circumstances affecting customers who find themselves in difficulty".

The Guardian - Business

Women over the age of 45 are exempted from the order to wear the veil, but often find themselves in difficulty.

The Guardian

It provides advocacy, assistance and support to children and young people between the ages of 10-21 who find themselves in difficulty.

The Guardian - Opinion

And so I find myself in difficulty when I hear talk of the need to "re-engineer" or "re-balance" the criminal justice system.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When Australians travel overseas and find themselves in difficulty with the law, they face the judicial systems of those countries," Morrison said.

The Guardian

Young children would often wander off and find themselves in difficulty after falling into a ditch or pond.

BBC

"Looking ahead, the financial position of many households is likely to be stretched for some while, and some will inevitably find themselves in difficulty," Mr Coogan said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "find oneself in difficulty", consider the tone and context. It's suitable for formal reports, news articles, and academic papers where a neutral or slightly formal tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "find oneself in difficulty" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "run into trouble" or "face challenges" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find oneself in difficulty" functions as a verb phrase. It typically indicates that a person or entity encounters a challenging or problematic situation unexpectedly. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "find oneself in difficulty" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe encountering challenges or problems. Although not inherently informal, context dictates its appropriateness. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and while lacking real-world examples, its analysis demonstrates applicability across various domains. Keep in mind that it is important to understand how this phrase can be replaced to fit a certain context, such as the informal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter difficulties

Emphasizes the act of meeting or facing problems.

run into trouble

Suggests a more sudden or unexpected onset of problems.

face challenges

Highlights the act of confronting demanding situations.

be in a predicament

Indicates a difficult or unpleasant situation.

get into a bind

Suggests a restrictive or entrapping situation.

find oneself in a tight spot

Similar to "predicament" but more specific to a confined or limiting situation.

be in dire straits

Implies a severe or desperate situation.

get into hot water

Suggests trouble resulting from one's actions.

land in a soup

An informal phrase for finding oneself in a mess or problematic situation.

face adversity

Focuses on facing hardship or unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "find oneself in difficulty" for a more casual tone?

For a more casual tone, you can use phrases like "run into trouble", "get into a bind", or simply "face challenges".

Is "find oneself in difficulty" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "find oneself in difficulty" is appropriate for formal writing, such as reports, academic papers, and official correspondence. It conveys a sense of unexpected challenges in a professional manner.

What is a more emphatic alternative to "find oneself in difficulty"?

For a more emphatic alternative, consider phrases like "be in dire straits" or "face adversity", which suggest a more severe or critical situation.

What are common situations where someone might "find oneself in difficulty"?

People might "find oneself in difficulty" in various situations, such as during a complex project, when facing unexpected financial problems, or while navigating unfamiliar legal processes.