having some difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having some difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is experiencing challenges or obstacles in completing a task or understanding something. Example: "I am having some difficulty understanding the new software interface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"He's having some difficulty.

The New Yorker

He was having some difficulty with his breathing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Police morale is low and the department is having some difficulty recruiting and retaining officers.

The New York Times

Admittedly competition has its downside, in that consumers are having some difficulty sorting the good from the bad.

The Guardian - Money

Huston said he was having some difficulty persuading both Schary and Reinhardt to let Murphy have the part.

The New Yorker

"I don't know an American who isn't having some difficulty these days," he said in a telephone interview yesterday.

The New York Times

Hillman said he was aware that Kuroda was having some difficulty but did not know the extent of it.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Wafa was having some difficulties.

Independent

These recent attempts have demonstrated that you are still having some difficulties.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Physically, I was having some difficulties standing for so long.

Huffington Post

I had some difficulty with 1 Down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain a consistent tone, consider the audience and choose synonyms or related phrases that align with the formality required. For instance, "encountering challenges" may be more appropriate in a formal setting than "having a hard time".

Common error

Avoid vague language that doesn't specify the nature of the difficulty. Instead of simply stating "having some difficulty", provide specific details about the problem or challenge. For example, instead of saying "I'm having some difficulty with the project", specify "I'm having some difficulty with the data analysis section of the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having some difficulty" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of challenge or impediment. It modifies a subject by describing their current experience with a particular task, concept, or situation. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having some difficulty" is a versatile phrase used to express challenges across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. While generally neutral in register, context dictates the best alternative phrasing, as presented in the related phrases section. Remember to be specific about the difficulty and consider your audience to maintain clarity and consistency. The phrase appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Science", highlighting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiencing some trouble

Replaces "difficulty" with "trouble", implying a similar level of challenge.

facing certain challenges

Substitutes "difficulty" with "challenges", suggesting a more formal tone.

struggling somewhat

Replaces the entire phrase with a single verb indicating effort against resistance.

encountering a few obstacles

Uses "obstacles" instead of "difficulty", highlighting specific impediments.

finding it challenging

Rephrases to emphasize the challenging nature of a task or situation.

having a bit of a hard time

Uses a more informal and empathetic expression for experiencing difficulty.

contending with some issues

Replaces "difficulty" with "issues", implying problems that need resolution.

grappling with certain problems

Indicates a more intense effort to overcome problems, rather than simple difficulty.

not finding it easy

Emphasizes the lack of ease in a situation, implying difficulty.

in a bit of a bind

Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest being stuck or facing a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "having some difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "having some difficulty" to describe challenges in various situations. For example, "I am "having some difficulty" understanding this concept" or "The company is "having some difficulty" meeting its quarterly goals".

What can I say instead of "having some difficulty"?

Alternatives include "experiencing challenges", "facing some trouble", or "struggling somewhat", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "having some difficulty" or "having difficulties"?

Both are correct, but "having some difficulty" often implies a milder or more temporary challenge, while "having difficulties" might suggest more significant or ongoing problems. Choose the phrasing that best reflects the specific situation.

What's the difference between "having some difficulty" and "having a hard time"?

"Having some difficulty" is generally more formal and neutral, while "having a hard time" is more informal and empathetic. Use "having a hard time" when you want to express sympathy or acknowledge emotional strain alongside the challenge.