has difficulty expressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has difficulty expressing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who struggles with communicating or conveying their thoughts and feelings effectively. Example: Sarah has difficulty expressing her opinions in group discussions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"He has difficulty expressing himself verbally," Mr. Arreaza said.

The New York Times

Add to this the complications of working with a man who has difficulty expressing himself and barely speaks above a whisper.

The New York Times - Health

He is making some of the most emotionally uplifting soul of the past decade, but insists he has "difficulty expressing feelings".

The Guardian - Music

It has difficulty expressing itself, and it never seems to sleep enough.

Science Magazine

Except in his imagination, Chet has difficulty expressing affection even for his mother.

Wikipedia

It may not always mean she she's not interested, but rather has difficulty expressing it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

At times young students have difficulty expressing their anger.

Yale University

Dr. Glass said many of his students have "survival English skills" but have difficulty expressing themselves.

The New York Times

Nearly all of my clients have difficulty expressing themselves and are reacting to something going wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is generally agreed that, for the most part, men have difficulty expressing their emotions.

The New York Times

Video packages are sometimes of poor technical quality, and some talking heads have difficulty expressing themselves in English.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "has difficulty expressing", consider specifying the context or type of expression. For instance, "has difficulty expressing emotions" or "has difficulty expressing complex ideas" provides more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "has difficulty expressing" as a blanket statement. Instead, pinpoint the specific area of difficulty. Saying someone "has difficulty expressing themselves" without further clarification is vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has difficulty expressing" functions as a descriptive predicate, characterizing a subject's limited capacity to communicate effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. The examples show how the phrase is used to describe people, children, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has difficulty expressing" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to describe someone's struggle to communicate effectively. Ludwig AI validates its usability in various contexts. As this analysis shows, the phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, indicating its broad applicability. To use it effectively, specify the context or type of expression, and avoid overgeneralizations. Related phrases like "struggles to articulate" or "finds it hard to convey" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Understanding the nuances of this phrase can help writers communicate more precisely and empathetically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggles to articulate

Emphasizes the difficulty in forming coherent words or sentences.

finds it hard to convey

Highlights the challenge in successfully transmitting a message.

has trouble communicating

Focuses on the general inability to effectively exchange information.

experiences challenges in verbalizing

Highlights the complexities related to converting thoughts into spoken words.

is poor at articulating

Indicates a lack of skill in expressing oneself clearly.

lacks fluency in speech

Refers to speech that is hesitant and lacks a natural flow.

cannot get the message across

Highlights a failure to make others understand the intended meaning.

is inarticulate

Describes someone who is unable to express ideas or feelings clearly.

is not good with words

Suggests a general deficiency in using language effectively.

has a communication barrier

Points to an obstacle preventing effective exchange of information.

FAQs

What are some common reasons why someone "has difficulty expressing" themselves?

Reasons can range from underlying medical conditions or learning disabilities to language barriers or simply a shy personality. Identifying the root cause is crucial for providing appropriate support.

Is "has trouble expressing" the same as "has difficulty expressing"?

Yes, "has trouble expressing" is generally considered a synonym for "has difficulty expressing". Both phrases indicate a challenge in communicating thoughts or feelings effectively.

How can I help someone who "has difficulty expressing" themselves?

Encourage them to use alternative methods of communication, such as writing or drawing. Be patient and create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, even if it takes time.

What's the difference between "has difficulty expressing" and "unable to express"?

"Has difficulty expressing" suggests a struggle or challenge, while "unable to express" implies a complete inability. The former suggests potential for improvement, while the latter indicates a more severe limitation.