have a difficult time

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a difficult time" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to express that someone is struggling or facing challenges with something. Example: "I have a difficult time understanding complex math problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm going to have a difficult time.

The New York Times

"Sometimes I have a difficult time walking".

The New Yorker

R.K. feels he may have a difficult time winning.

The New Yorker

I have a difficult time seeing her do this onstage".

The New Yorker

I have a difficult time understanding this conclusion.

The Economist

The eventual No. 8 will have a difficult time advancing.

The New York Times

People have a difficult time telling the Mulleavy sisters apart.

The New Yorker

But more than likely they would have a difficult time".

The New York Times - Sports

Al Qaeda will have a difficult time finding a successor.

The New Yorker

"They usually have a difficult time believing me," she said.

The New York Times

STONE: Americans have a difficult time understanding these issues.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you are referring to a general situation instead of a specific instance, use the present simple: "People have a difficult time telling the Mulleavy sisters apart."

Common error

While grammatically sound, relying heavily on "have a difficult time" can make your writing monotonous. Use synonyms like "struggle", "have trouble", or "find it challenging" to add variety and nuance to your expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a difficult time" functions as a verbal phrase, typically followed by a gerund (-ing form of a verb) to indicate the specific activity or situation that is challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a difficult time" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that someone is struggling or experiencing challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and employed across various writing styles. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms to enrich your writing, the register of "have a difficult time" is generally neutral. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in science and wiki contexts, signaling broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a hard time

Synonymous, using "hard" instead of "difficult".

have trouble

A more informal way of saying "have a difficult time".

struggle

A shorter, more direct way to express difficulty.

find it challenging

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the task or situation.

face difficulties

Highlights the presence of obstacles or problems.

encounter problems

Focuses on the occurrence of specific issues.

be challenged

Highlights the stimulating and demanding aspect of a task.

be hard-pressed

Suggests a situation where someone is under pressure and facing challenges.

labor

Implies strenuous effort and difficulty.

deal with adversity

Emphasizes overcoming hardship and unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "have a difficult time" in a sentence?

You can use "have a difficult time" to express that someone is experiencing challenges or struggles with something. For example, "I "have a difficult time" understanding quantum physics".

What can I say instead of "have a difficult time"?

Alternatives include "struggle", "have trouble", or "find it challenging", depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "have a difficult time" or "struggle"?

"Have a difficult time" is a more verbose and slightly more formal way of expressing the same sentiment as ""struggle"". The best choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "have a difficult time" and "have a hard time"?

The phrases ""have a difficult time"" and "have a hard time" are virtually interchangeable and mean the same thing. The choice often comes down to personal preference.