growing in difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing in difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, task, or challenge that is becoming increasingly challenging over time. Example: "The puzzles in this game are growing in difficulty, making it more engaging as I progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Before that, though, there is the matter of the growing number of out-of-work bankers to deal with — a task that each day seems to grow in difficulty.

The New York Times

Tim Hortons plans to continue expanding in Canada, especially the western provinces, but may have difficulty growing in the United States, where the brand is not well known and construction costs are higher.

Forbes

Δccc1 cells have difficulty growing in medium containing >3 mM ferrous ammonium sulfate.

Biochemistry

The delay was attributed in part to difficulty in growing in the laboratory two new influenza strains in this year's vaccine.

The New York Times

However, it is noteworthy to mention the functional complementarity between plant nutritional difficulties when growing in specific soil types and natural mechanisms evolved by the nature, since both stability and solubility of metal (Fe, Zn, Cu humic complexes are higher for those pH ranges that favor metal precipitation and potential bio-unavailability [12, 22].

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

"That's why the top end grows in time of difficulty.

Forbes

But liberty is generally born in stormy weather, growing with difficulty amid civil discords, and only when it is already old does one see the blessings it has brought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Models for SCLC are generally limited, however, the NCI-H69 and DMS-53 cell-lines are the most widely used for xenograft studies but can be problematic as they characteristically grow in suspension, resulting in difficulty in obtaining an accurate cell count prior to implantation [ 23– 25].

BioMed Research International

Hence, the growing difficulty in selecting a mapper has been raised in recent studies aimed at evaluating mapper performances through a multiplicity of comparison criteria.

BMC Genomics

It reinforces reftels that point to decreased private sector investment in Venezuela, growing difficulties in doing business, the loss of a profit/production motive on the part of PDVSA (the government,s largest source of revenue), and the on-going negative impact of oil field services company expropriations.

The Guardian

Department chiefs predict a growing difficulty in recruiting physicians and residents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "growing in difficulty" to describe a process or situation where the challenges become progressively harder to manage or overcome. Ensure the context clearly indicates a gradual increase in difficulty over time. For example: "The software project was growing in difficulty as more features were added."

Common error

Avoid using "growing in difficulty" to describe a situation that is already inherently difficult from the start. The phrase implies a progressive increase, not a static state. Instead, consider alternatives like "inherently difficult" or "challenging from the outset".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing in difficulty" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a progressive increase in the level of challenge or complexity associated with it. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "growing in difficulty" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that describes a situation, task, or challenge that is becoming progressively more difficult over time. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. It is best used to emphasize a gradual increase in difficulty rather than a static state of challenge. While alternatives like "increasingly difficult" or "escalating in complexity" exist, "growing in difficulty" offers a nuanced way to describe the dynamic nature of increasing challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly difficult

Emphasizes the gradual increase in difficulty; more direct.

progressively harder

Indicates a step-by-step increase in the level of difficulty.

becoming more challenging

Focuses on the challenging aspect, implying a test of skills or abilities.

escalating in complexity

Highlights the rise in intricate details and complicated elements.

compounding in complexity

Emphasizes how different aspects are adding up to increase the level of difficulty.

mounting in hardship

Stresses the increasing severity of adverse conditions or suffering.

worsening in severity

Focuses on the deteriorating nature and increased seriousness of a situation.

tougher over time

Informal way of saying something is becoming more difficult as time passes.

accumulating challenges

Underlines the build-up of hurdles or difficulties that must be overcome.

intensifying in adversity

Highlights the increasing intensity of unfavorable situations.

FAQs

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

Use "growing in difficulty" to describe something that is becoming more challenging over time. For instance, "The puzzles in this game are "increasingly difficult", making it more engaging as I progress."

What are some alternatives to "growing in difficulty"?

You can use alternatives such as ""increasingly difficult"", "becoming more challenging", or "escalating in complexity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "growing in difficulty"?

Yes, "growing in difficulty" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a situation that is becoming more challenging over time.

What's the difference between "growing in difficulty" and "inherently difficult"?

"Growing in difficulty" implies a progressive increase in challenge, while "inherently difficult" describes something that is challenging from the beginning.