genuine difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "genuine difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe real or authentic challenges or obstacles someone is facing. Example: "The team encountered genuine difficulties in meeting the project deadline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Sinn Fein recognises the genuine difficulties Mr Trimble has with his own party.

The Guardian

And only by acknowledging facts can we respond effectively to the genuine difficulties of voters in the middle.

The New York Times - Magazine

I know a lot of children have genuine difficulties, and some of these are biological, but most are social and cultural".

The Guardian

Your editorial seems to be a product of frustration with the deliberate misuse of statistical evidence by political parties and the genuine difficulties of producing simple measures of complex issues such as how to measure school outcomes.

The Guardian

2) Cultural conflicts – the large-scale movement of people from one culture into another does present genuine difficulties of assimilation, many of which Holland and other European countries are already contending with.

The Guardian - Books

It, like Spain and some other multinational polities, faces genuine difficulties in satisfying the demands of some groups for more autonomy without foisting on others less ardent a degree of self-government they do not want.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

If the economic fundamentals are right, capital will stay at home by choice.The case for aboliton is clear--but there is a genuine difficulty over timing.

The Economist

Before we rebuke these writers for their intellectual cowardice, we ought to acknowledge the genuine difficulty of the task they shirk.

The New York Times - Books

Abolishing doli incapax is a cheap gesture which ignores a ten-year old's genuine difficulty in thinking through the long-term consequences of his actions.

The Economist

Yet behind the infighting, there is also the genuine difficulty of making a policy that can quickly aid millions of homeowners at a reasonable cost.

The New York Times

I had been asked to be an original cast member but I was very wary of soap because of the shallowness of script and the fact that one's character had no defined end, no ultimate journey – which creates a genuine difficulty for an actor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "genuine difficulties", ensure the context clearly establishes the authenticity and seriousness of the challenges being faced. Avoid using it for trivial or minor inconveniences.

Common error

While "genuine difficulties" is suitable for formal and semi-formal writing, using it too frequently in casual conversations can sound overly dramatic or insincere. Opt for simpler terms like "real problems" or "tough issues" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine difficulties" primarily functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "genuine" emphasizes the authenticity of the noun "difficulties". This structure is commonly used to highlight real and legitimate challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genuine difficulties" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe real and authentic challenges. Ludwig confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While perfectly acceptable, remember to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. The phrase serves to emphasize that the difficulties are not trivial but are real and significant. When writing, ensure the context clearly establishes the authenticity and seriousness of the situation. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real challenges

Replaces "difficulties" with "challenges", emphasizing the demanding nature of the situation.

real obstacles

Highlights that the problems are impediments to progress.

authentic struggles

Uses "authentic" instead of "genuine" and "struggles" to highlight the effort required to overcome the problems.

legitimate hardships

Substitutes "difficulties" with "hardships", conveying a sense of suffering and adversity.

veritable problems

Employs "veritable" to reinforce the reality of the problems encountered.

true complications

Focuses on the complex and intricate nature of the difficulties.

bona fide issues

Replaces both words with synonyms that also express validity and authenticity.

actual adversities

Uses "actual" instead of "genuine", and "adversities" to amplify the sense of misfortune.

sincere predicaments

Conveys a sense of genuine concern for the difficult situations people find themselves in.

valid concerns

Emphasizes the legitimacy and importance of the issues at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "genuine difficulties" to describe real and authentic challenges. For example: "The project encountered "genuine difficulties" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "genuine difficulties"?

You can use alternatives like "real challenges", "authentic struggles", or "legitimate hardships" depending on the context.

Is "genuine difficulties" formal or informal?

"Genuine difficulties" is generally considered more formal and is suitable for professional or academic writing. In informal settings, consider using simpler phrases like "real problems" or "tough issues".

What's the difference between "genuine difficulties" and "serious difficulties"?

While both phrases indicate significant problems, ""genuine difficulties"" emphasizes the authenticity and reality of the problems, whereas "serious difficulties" highlights the gravity and potential impact of the problems.