get into difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get into difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as an idiom to refer to a situation where someone is facing a difficult or challenging situation. For example, "When I started my own business, I quickly got into difficulties trying to manage the finances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

And you get into difficulties.

The New York Times

I've never known anyone to get into difficulties.

The Guardian - Sport

It was always foreseeable that a swimmer might get into difficulties.

Harvard University

Outsiders can't expect the Fed to rescue them if their economies get into difficulties.

The Guardian - Business

Splashing out riyals has become the remedy of choice whenever they get into difficulties.

The Guardian - Opinion

The laxer rules on branches leave them more vulnerable if they or their parent banks get into difficulties.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

When banks get into difficulty, they restrict their lending.

The Economist

Even the best swimmers can get into difficulty in the water, especially in the open ocean.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If a customer does get into difficulty, the advice from Wellers Accountants is to tread carefully.

The Guardian

They might be on a coastal path and get into difficulty.

The Guardian

If you get into difficulty overseas, the United States consulate should be called.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get into difficulties", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It's suitable for describing a broad range of challenging situations, from financial troubles to interpersonal conflicts. If you want to be more specific, choose a phrase that better reflects the exact nature of the difficulty.

Common error

While "get into difficulties" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "encounter challenges", "face setbacks", or "experience complications" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get into difficulties" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to indicate the action of encountering problems or facing challenging circumstances. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from personal struggles to economic downturns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get into difficulties" is a common phrase used to describe the act of encountering problems or facing challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Analysis of Ludwig's examples shows that while it is widely used in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "encounter challenges" or "experience setbacks". The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various forms of communication. Remembering these points will help you use the phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get into a predicament

Highlights a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.

encounter problems

Focuses on the act of meeting or facing issues.

face complications

Focuses on complex and unwelcome difficulties that arise.

face challenges

Highlights the act of confronting demanding or testing situations.

run into trouble

Suggests a more immediate and possibly unforeseen problematic situation.

experience setbacks

Emphasizes temporary impediments or reversals in progress.

meet with adversity

Implies facing significant and persistent hardship.

find oneself in a bind

Describes a restrictive or difficult situation with limited options.

be in a tight spot

Suggests a difficult or awkward situation from which escape is not easy.

land in hot water

Indicates being in trouble, especially with authority.

FAQs

How can I use "get into difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "get into difficulties" to describe encountering problems or challenges, such as "Businesses may "run into difficulties" if they don't adapt to changing market conditions".

What's a more formal alternative to "get into difficulties"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "encounter challenges", "experience setbacks", or "face complications". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated and precise way to describe difficult situations.

Is "get into difficulty" or "get into difficulties" more correct?

While "get into difficulty" is grammatically acceptable, "get into difficulties" is more common, especially when referring to multiple or ongoing problems. If referring to a single, specific problem, "get into difficulty" may be appropriate.

What does it mean to "get into difficulties"?

To "get into difficulties" means to encounter problems, challenges, or negative situations that make progress or success more difficult. It suggests a transition from a state of relative ease to one of hardship or struggle.