in difficult conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in difficult conditions' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is challenging or demanding. For example, you could say "The team was able to succeed in difficult conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was terrific in difficult conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

"We did a professional job in difficult conditions," said Benitez.

The Guardian - Sport

They worked quickly in difficult conditions to tackle the fire".

The Guardian

The Willingness to Persevere in Difficult Conditions Test.

The New Yorker

It was an energy-sapping pace in difficult conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

It can be a gutsy 40 in difficult conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

The men's families say they have been kept in difficult conditions, mostly alone in small cells.

The New York Times

In difficult conditions, the game was always going to swing on the boot.

The Guardian - Sport

Richmond must be particularly relieved to have bested a difficult opponent in difficult conditions in Cairns.

The Guardian - Sport

Sinead McKenna deserves special commendation for terrific lighting in difficult conditions.

The New York Times

"I am delighted with many aspects of our performance in difficult conditions," said O'Neill.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in difficult conditions", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the conditions difficult. Specificity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in difficult conditions" as a generic placeholder for challenges. Instead, elaborate on the specific hardships encountered, such as "in difficult weather conditions" or "in difficult economic conditions", to provide greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in difficult conditions" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the circumstances under which an action takes place. Ludwig examples confirm its use to specify challenging or adverse situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in difficult conditions" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions adverbially to describe challenging circumstances. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While widely accepted, providing specific details about the conditions makes your writing more impactful. Consider using synonyms such as "under challenging circumstances" or "amidst adverse circumstances" to add variety to your writing. By understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives, you can enhance your communication and effectively convey the challenges inherent in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under challenging circumstances

This alternative focuses on the demanding nature of the situation, emphasizing the need for effort and resilience.

amidst adverse circumstances

This phrase suggests a situation marked by unfavorable or hostile factors, highlighting the presence of opposition.

in trying circumstances

This alternative emphasizes the stressful and testing nature of the situation.

under demanding circumstances

This option stresses the high requirements and expectations imposed by the situation.

in tough situations

A more informal alternative that highlights the general adversity of the situation.

in unfavorable conditions

This phrase indicates conditions that are not conducive to success or progress.

in adverse environments

Focuses on the negative aspects of the surrounding environment.

under pressure

Highlights the stress and strain experienced during the situation.

against the odds

This phrase emphasizes overcoming significant obstacles and challenges.

in a bind

Informal expression referring to difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "in difficult conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "in difficult conditions" to describe how someone performs or operates when faced with challenges. For example: "The team performed admirably "in difficult conditions"".

What are some synonyms for "in difficult conditions"?

Alternatives to "in difficult conditions" include "under challenging circumstances", "amidst adverse circumstances", or "in tough situations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific about the conditions, rather than just saying "in difficult conditions"?

While "in difficult conditions" is grammatically correct, being specific about the conditions (e.g., "in difficult economic times" or "in difficult weather conditions") provides more clarity and impact for the reader.

How does the formality of "in difficult conditions" compare to similar phrases?

"In difficult conditions" is generally considered neutral in formality. Phrases like "amidst adverse circumstances" are more formal, while phrases like "in a bind" are less formal.