great difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant challenges or obstacles someone is facing in a particular situation. Example: "The team encountered great difficulties while trying to meet the project deadline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These are great difficulties.

The New Yorker

"He is facing great difficulties at home.

The Guardian

Great difficulties surround the constitutional question.

The New York Times

But de Jesus had great difficulties making her original payments.

The New Yorker

Without that aid, the Palestinian Authority would face great difficulties.

The New York Times

"We have faced great difficulties again and again," he said.

The New Yorker

The puppet theatre in the contemporary world faces great difficulties and great opportunities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead of taking about our great difficulties, we're talking about the medium".

The New York Times

There are great difficulties, however, in the precise reconstruction of individual Sophistic doctrines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even firms in established industries such as energy report facing great difficulties in raising capital.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Shackleton saw this task as routine; he wrote: "I had not anticipated that the work would present any great difficulties".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great difficulties", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Alternatives like "significant challenges" or "major obstacles" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

While "great difficulties" is perfectly acceptable, its formality can sound stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "tough time" or "big problems" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the state of facing substantial challenges or obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great difficulties" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe significant challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is acceptable for use in written English. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and intended audience to ensure the appropriate level of formality. Alternatives like "significant challenges" or "major obstacles" offer similar meanings but might be more fitting depending on the situation. With a strong presence in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias, "great difficulties" demonstrates its widespread applicability across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant challenges

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

major obstacles

Emphasizes the impediments and barriers faced.

severe problems

Highlights the gravity and negative impact of the issues.

considerable hardships

Draws attention to the suffering and adversity involved.

formidable challenges

Implies a situation requiring great effort and skill to overcome.

serious setbacks

Focuses on hindrances to progress or goals.

tough times

A more informal way to describe a period of difficulty.

complex issues

Underlines the intricate and multifaceted nature of the difficulties.

intense struggles

Emphasizes the effort and conflict involved in dealing with the difficulties.

grave predicaments

Suggests a dangerous or precarious situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "great difficulties" to describe situations where someone is facing significant challenges or obstacles. For example, "The company experienced "great difficulties" launching their new product."

What are some alternatives to "great difficulties"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "significant challenges", "major obstacles", or "severe problems".

Is it better to say "great difficulties" or "major difficulties"?

Both "great difficulties" and "major difficulties" are correct and widely used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, although "major difficulties" might be perceived as slightly more common in contemporary usage.

What's the difference between "great difficulties" and "minor difficulties"?

"Great difficulties" implies significant challenges and substantial obstacles, while "minor difficulties" suggests smaller, less impactful problems. The distinction lies in the severity and the impact of the challenges being faced.