fraught with difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fraught with difficulties" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation that has many challenges or obstacles. For example, "The negotiations were fraught with difficulties, and it took months to come to any kind of agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this, too, is fraught with difficulties.

The Economist

Embedding is a process fraught with difficulties.

The Guardian

Sifting evidence has proved to be fraught with difficulties.

The Guardian

This portfolio turned out to be fraught with difficulties.

The Guardian - Sport

The Park Ridge endeavor is fraught with difficulties.

The New York Times

For President Bouteflika, the immediate future is fraught with difficulties.

The New York Times

But reopening the deal would be fraught with difficulties.

The New York Times

Yet it's fraught with difficulties as a stage play.

The Guardian

And testing for "future potential" is fraught with difficulties.

The Guardian

The paratriathlon is an event fraught with difficulties.

The Guardian - Sport

All options look distasteful, and fraught with difficulties.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fraught with difficulties", ensure the context clearly defines what those difficulties are. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "fraught with difficulties" in contexts where simpler language suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Reserve it for situations that genuinely involve significant challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraught with difficulties" functions as a postpositive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe it as being filled with problems or challenges. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fraught with difficulties" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe situations filled with challenges. According to Ludwig, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts. Its primary function is to emphasize the problematic nature of a subject, communicating that progress may be hindered by numerous obstacles. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where a more formal and emphatic tone is desired. Alternatives like "rife with challenges" or "laden with complications" can be considered depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly complex in simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rife with challenges

Emphasizes the abundance of challenges, making it a more intense expression.

beset by problems

Highlights the persistent nature of problems affecting a situation.

laden with complications

Focuses on the complex nature of the difficulties involved.

teeming with obstacles

Suggests a situation overflowing with obstacles that need to be overcome.

filled with setbacks

Specifically emphasizes the presence of repeated failures or delays.

encumbered with issues

Highlights how issues weigh down or hinder progress.

plagued by troubles

Indicates persistent and troublesome problems causing distress.

hampered by impediments

Focuses on the hindrances or obstructions that slow down or prevent progress.

marked by adversity

Highlights the presence of unfavorable or challenging conditions.

burdened with hardships

Emphasizes the heavy and oppressive nature of the difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "fraught with difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "fraught with difficulties" to describe a situation, process, or task that is full of challenges and obstacles. For example, "The negotiation process was fraught with difficulties." Consider using alternatives like "rife with challenges" or "laden with complications" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some synonyms for "fraught with difficulties"?

Some synonyms for "fraught with difficulties" include "beset by problems", "teeming with obstacles", and "encumbered with issues". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to express.

Is it better to say "full of difficulties" or "fraught with difficulties"?

"Full of difficulties" is a simpler and more direct expression, while "fraught with difficulties" is more formal and emphasizes the problematic nature of the situation. The choice depends on the tone and register you want to achieve in your writing. Consider if the added formality is appropriate for your audience.

What's the difference between "fraught with difficulties" and "fraught with perils"?

"Fraught with difficulties" emphasizes the presence of challenges and obstacles, while "fraught with perils" highlights the presence of dangers and risks. The word "perils" suggests a greater potential for harm or negative consequences than "difficulties".