has difficulty reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has difficulty reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who struggles with reading comprehension or the act of reading itself. Example: "She has difficulty reading complex texts, which affects her performance in school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He becomes anxious and has difficulty reading people.

The New York Times

What happens when a lawyer who has difficulty reading charges by the hour?

The New York Times

He still has difficulty reading books or watching movies for pleasure, so heavily was his studying of religious texts and documentaries.

The Guardian

Since a stroke four years ago, Esther Hurwitz, an 83-year-old retired bookkeeper, has difficulty reading, telling time and making change.

The New York Times

Mr. Hawkins, 65, has difficulty reading lips and, according to Ms. Hawkins, his three siblings are not adept at signing, so communicating is a challenge for him.

The New York Times

They are utterly lost on robotic drones and even if a drone is under the control of a remote pilot deep in the bowels of the ship, that pilot often has difficulty reading them.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He even began to have difficulty reading his own written comments.

The New York Times - Health

Sufferers have difficulty reading social situations and responding appropriately and may lead lonely and isolated lives as a result.

Independent

As he grew older, he had difficulty reading and concentrating, and he was found to have learning disabilities.

The New York Times

If they remembered him at all, they would remember him as the boy who had difficulty reading.

The Guardian

I knew I was a polite middle-class boy, but the two cultures have difficulty reading each other, sometimes literally.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific condition or learning disability, use "has difficulty reading" to clearly and respectfully communicate the challenge someone faces. For example, "The student with dyslexia has difficulty reading aloud in class."

Common error

Avoid using "has difficulty reading" as a blanket statement without specifying the context or type of reading. Instead of saying "He has difficulty reading", be more specific: "He has difficulty reading comprehension questions" or "He has difficulty reading small print."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has difficulty reading" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a challenge or impairment related to the ability to read. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct. Examples show its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has difficulty reading" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a person's struggle with reading. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the type of difficulty to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "struggles with reading" and "finds reading challenging", offering subtle differences in emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggles with reading

Focuses on the active struggle rather than a state of difficulty.

finds reading challenging

Emphasizes the challenging nature of reading for the individual.

has trouble reading

Uses "trouble" instead of "difficulty", a more informal synonym.

experiences reading difficulties

Highlights the difficulties as an experience.

is challenged by reading

Uses passive voice to emphasize the impact of reading.

lacks reading proficiency

Focuses on the lack of skill or competence in reading.

has impaired reading ability

Emphasizes the impairment or diminished capacity for reading.

deals with reading challenges

Presents reading difficulties as challenges that need to be managed.

grapples with reading comprehension

Specifically addresses the struggle with understanding the meaning of the text.

is a struggling reader

Identifies the individual as someone who struggles with reading in general.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say someone "has difficulty reading"?

You can use alternatives like "struggles with reading", "finds reading challenging", or "has trouble reading" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "has difficulty reading" in formal writing?

Yes, "has difficulty reading" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the audience and purpose. In some cases, more specific language, such as "lacks reading proficiency" or "has impaired reading ability", might be more suitable.

What causes someone to "have difficulty reading"?

There are various reasons a person might "have difficulty reading", including dyslexia, visual impairments, lack of education, or cognitive challenges. The phrase itself doesn't imply a specific cause.

How can I help someone who "has difficulty reading"?

Supporting someone who "has difficulty reading" involves patience and understanding. You can offer assistance by reading aloud, providing audiobooks, suggesting assistive technologies, or recommending professional support like tutoring or specialized reading programs.