get into difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get into difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone encounters problems or challenges. Example: "When the project fell behind schedule, the team began to get into difficulty with meeting the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

When banks get into difficulty, they restrict their lending.

The Economist

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

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The New York Times - Travel

Elderly people, pregnant women and children can be especially vulnerable and are often the first to get into difficulty.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

And you get into difficulties.

The New York Times

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

The Economist

The statistics suggest youngsters here are more likely than those elsewhere to get into difficulties over drink.

The Guardian

At the beginning, he could get into difficulties because he did not know how loud he was speaking.

The Guardian

Expensive forms of credit and high penalty charges which can see low income households get into difficulties are "systemic issues of the current financial system," says the report.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get into difficulty", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "run into trouble" or "face challenges" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

While "get into difficulty" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "encounter problems" or "face challenges" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get into difficulty" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often serving as the predicate of a clause. It indicates a state of encountering problems or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase in written English, with several examples demonstrating its function in describing problematic situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get into difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe encountering problems or challenges. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is acceptable and usable in many contexts, especially in news and media, and formal business settings. While it is a versatile phrase, consider alternative expressions like "run into trouble" or "face challenges" to add nuance to your writing. Understanding the common errors and usage patterns can help you effectively communicate the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run into trouble

This alternative is a very common and direct synonym, implying a negative outcome.

encounter problems

This alternative focuses on the act of facing issues, rather than the state of being in trouble.

be in a tight spot

This idiom suggests a difficult situation from which escape is challenging.

face challenges

This alternative emphasizes the obstacles that need to be overcome.

land in hot water

This idiom implies trouble caused by one's own actions.

experience hardship

This suggests a more severe and prolonged period of difficulty.

meet with adversity

This alternative highlights the confrontation with unfavorable circumstances.

face adversity

This alternative highlights the confrontation with unfavorable circumstances.

find oneself in a predicament

This is a more formal and nuanced way of saying someone is in a difficult situation.

fall on hard times

This phrase suggests a period of economic or personal difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "get into difficulty" to describe situations where someone is experiencing problems or challenges. For example: "If you don't manage your finances carefully, you might "get into difficulty"".

What are some alternatives to "get into difficulty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "run into trouble", "face challenges", or "encounter problems".

Is it better to say "get into difficulty" or "run into difficulty"?

Both ""get into difficulty"" and "run into difficulty" are correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "Run into trouble" might sound slightly more informal.

What's the difference between "get into difficulty" and "face challenges"?

"Get into difficulty" suggests being in a problematic situation, while "face challenges" emphasizes the act of confronting obstacles. The former implies a state, and the latter implies an action.