fundamental difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a core or essential challenge that is inherent to a situation or problem. Example: "The fundamental difficulty in solving this equation lies in its complexity and the number of variables involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Marion Elizabeth Rodgers has a fundamental difficulty.

The Guardian - Books

This is the fundamental difficulty for BrightHouse.

The Guardian

William Easterly, the economist, pointed to a fundamental difficulty with P.I.H.'s approach.

The New Yorker

A more fundamental difficulty concerns the role of ideas and values.

The Guardian - Books

This "disconnect" is a more fundamental difficulty for NASA than decades' worth of budget cuts.

The New Yorker

Rather, it indicates the fundamental difficulty of explaining anything complex in simple terms.

Harvard Business Review

Even if it did, legislation would not solve the fundamental difficulty, a total distrust of government.

The Economist

The fundamental difficulty has to do with changes in phone technology and human habits.

The New York Times

• To the Editor: David Leonhardt's article promoting "real choice" in health insurance alludes to a fundamental difficulty with this approach.

The New York Times

The fundamental difficulty of such transformations is that the recursion has an infinite number of iterations.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The most fundamental difficulty in studying the workings of living organisms has to do with size.

Biotechnology for Beginners

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental difficulty", ensure the context clearly establishes what the core problem or challenge is. Be specific and provide enough detail for the reader to understand the nature and scope of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental difficulty" for minor or easily resolvable issues. Reserve this phrase for genuinely significant challenges that have substantial implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental difficulty" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies or describes a significant problem or challenge, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental difficulty" is a versatile and commonly used term to describe core challenges and essential problems across diverse fields, as Ludwig's AI confirms. Analysis of real-world examples shows the term is grammatically correct and very frequent in both science and news media. When writing, it's important to use this phrase when addressing genuinely significant issues while avoiding overuse for minor problems. Alternatives like "core problem" or "key challenge" can be used depending on the context to avoid repetition. Overall, the phrase is useful across a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core problem

This alternative focuses on the central aspect of the difficulty.

key challenge

This alternative emphasizes the challenging nature of the difficulty.

primary obstacle

This alternative highlights the obstructive nature of the difficulty.

main hurdle

This alternative suggests a barrier that needs to be overcome.

central issue

This alternative emphasizes that the difficulty is a significant point of discussion or concern.

major impediment

This alternative conveys that the difficulty acts as a significant hindrance.

root cause

This alternative focuses on the foundational origin of the problem.

underlying problem

This alternative suggests a hidden or less obvious source of difficulty.

basic flaw

This alternative highlights an inherent defect contributing to the difficulty.

critical snag

This alternative describes the difficulty as an unexpected or hidden problem.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamental difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamental difficulty" to describe a core challenge or essential problem inherent to a situation. For example, "The "fundamental difficulty" in solving this equation lies in its complexity".

What are some alternatives to "fundamental difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "core problem", "key challenge", or "primary obstacle" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "fundamental difficulty" in formal writing?

Yes, "fundamental difficulty" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, or professional contexts. However, consider the audience and purpose to ensure it aligns with the tone.

What's the difference between "fundamental difficulty" and "minor inconvenience"?

"Fundamental difficulty" refers to a significant, deeply rooted challenge, while "minor inconvenience" describes a small, easily manageable problem. Using the correct phrase ensures accurate communication.