in a difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a difficulty" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is facing a problem or challenge. Example: "When I found myself in a difficulty, I reached out to my friends for support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

He said he was in a "difficulty", adding: "The difficulty is very simple.

The Guardian

A principle about which all men are always in a difficulty, and some men sometimes against their will.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A couple of split-second decisions on the bar caused him to play it safe, resulting in a difficulty score two-tenths lower than in qualification.

The Guardian - Sport

Ductility and electrical conductivity of metallic materials are inversely correlated with their strength, resulting in a difficulty of optimizing all three simultaneously.

Journal of Materials Science & Technology

"Since then, we are in a difficulty, please to tell us what you mean, when you speak of being; for there can be no doubt that you always from the first understood your own meaning, whereas we once thought that we understood you, but now we are in a great strait.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, the question—'In the real world, when in a difficulty, can we expect help from the person we helped in the first place', often raises a few doubts.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In particular, a difficulty in many ecological meta-analyses is the lack of independence of the estimates.

Nature

One problem the city has faced in recent years is a difficulty in providing affordable housing for the middle class".

The New York Times

The noise enhancement phenomenon which is inherent in linear equalizers poses a difficulty in analyzing the receiver performance.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Interviews in both sites identified a difficulty in attracting and maintaining skilled TB staff.

BMC Health Services Research

Participants regularly highlighted challenges in receiving/sharing information as a difficulty in maintaining continuity.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a difficulty" when you want to describe a state of being troubled or facing a specific challenge. This phrase often implies a temporary situation that requires resolution.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "in a difficulty" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "in trouble" or "having a hard time" for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a difficulty" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to describe a state or situation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and used to describe facing a problem or challenge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a difficulty" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a challenging or problematic situation. According to Ludwig AI, its use is considered correct and appropriate in written English. While understandable in most contexts, it leans toward a neutral to formal register and is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic writing. For more casual conversations, consider using alternatives like "in trouble" or "having a hard time". Remember to reserve "in a difficulty" for situations where a more formal tone is required or desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in trouble

This is a more common and general term for being in a problematic situation.

in a predicament

Suggests a difficult or unpleasant situation, often implying a dilemma.

in a bind

Implies a restrictive or awkward situation from which it is hard to escape.

facing challenges

A more formal and neutral way to describe dealing with difficulties.

experiencing hardship

Emphasizes the difficult or adverse conditions being faced.

in dire straits

Highlights a very serious and difficult situation, often life-threatening.

in a crisis

Suggests a critical and potentially unstable situation.

contending with problems

A more formal way of saying dealing with issues.

undergoing tribulation

Implies suffering or distress, often with religious connotations.

in adversity

Suggests facing unfavorable or difficult circumstances.

FAQs

What does "in a difficulty" mean?

The phrase "in a difficulty" means experiencing a challenging or problematic situation. It indicates that someone is facing obstacles or troubles that require effort to overcome.

When is it appropriate to use "in a difficulty"?

It's appropriate to use "in a difficulty" in formal writing, news reports, or when describing a serious situation. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

What can I say instead of "in a difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "in trouble", "in a predicament", or "facing challenges" depending on the context.

Is "in a difficulty" the same as "having difficulty"?

While related, "in a difficulty" describes a state of being, whereas "having difficulty" describes an ongoing action or struggle. For example, "He is in a difficulty" suggests a current problem, while "He is having difficulty understanding the concept" describes an ongoing struggle.