fraught with difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"fraught with difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used in the middle or end of a sentence and suggests something has numerous difficulties or problems associated with it. For example: "The decision before us is fraught with difficulty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's also fraught with difficulty and danger.

The Guardian

Mapping urban areas is fraught with difficulty.

MIT Technology Review

This is, of course, fraught with difficulty.

The Guardian

Plays about painters are fraught with difficulty.

The Guardian

Modeling the manufacturing information for PCBs is fraught with difficulty.

Computers in Industry

This, however, can be fraught with difficulty, too.

The New York Times

But this is a route fraught with difficulty.

MIT Technology Review

Earthquake prediction is a science fraught with difficulty.

MIT Technology Review

There are various avenues, all fraught with difficulty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even defining what constitutes a religion is fraught with difficulty.

The Economist

Extrapolating such results to humans is fraught with difficulty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fraught with difficulty", ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly defined and the specific difficulties are either explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "fraught with difficulty" when the situation involves only minor inconveniences or routine challenges. Reserve this phrase for situations with significant and complex problems to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraught with difficulty" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to describe something characterized by significant challenges and problems. Ludwig provides many examples of how this phrase is used in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fraught with difficulty" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that describes situations characterized by significant challenges and problems. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, the phrase serves to emphasize complexity and caution readers. Alternatives like "full of challenges" or "riddled with problems" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "fraught with difficulty", ensure clarity in the subject and avoid overstating the challenge to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full of challenges

Emphasizes the presence of many challenges.

riddled with problems

Highlights the abundance of problems.

beset by difficulties

Indicates that difficulties are constantly affecting something.

laden with complications

Focuses on the complex and intricate nature of the difficulties.

replete with obstacles

Stresses the numerous obstacles present.

attended by risks

Highlights the presence of potential dangers.

subject to setbacks

Indicates a likelihood of experiencing delays or failures.

prone to issues

Suggests a tendency to encounter problems.

plagued by troubles

Indicates persistent and troublesome issues.

filled with hardship

Highlights the severe and challenging nature of the difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "fraught with difficulty" to describe a situation, task, or process that is likely to involve numerous challenges and problems. For example, "Negotiating the contract was fraught with difficulty".

What are some alternatives to saying "fraught with difficulty"?

Alternatives include "full of challenges", "riddled with problems", or "beset by difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fraught with difficulty" or "fraught with difficulties"?

"Fraught with difficulty" is generally preferred because "difficulty" is often used as an uncountable noun in this context. "Difficulties" is also acceptable, but it may imply a series of distinct problems rather than a general challenging nature.

What's the difference between "fraught with difficulty" and "challenging"?

"Challenging" is a more general term that simply indicates something requires effort or skill. "Fraught with difficulty" implies a higher degree of complexity and potential problems. A task can be challenging without being "fraught with difficulty", but something that is "fraught with difficulty" is always challenging.