in serious difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in serious difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is facing significant challenges or problems. Example: "The company is in serious difficulty due to the recent economic downturn and may need to consider restructuring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It must now be in serious difficulty".

The Guardian

They had thought that he was in serious difficulty.

The New Yorker

"The king is in serious difficulty," Mr. Bloomfield said.

The New York Times

By then, however, the CCP was in serious difficulty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The emergency systems will still be available for students in serious difficulty".

The Guardian

Apple would be in serious difficulty if people were prevented from transferring their own CDs to their iPods.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Another firm in serious difficulties is Jessops, the debt-burdened photographic retailer.

The Guardian - Business

Those companies are both in serious difficulties, and praise for his work at the FSA has evaporated.

The Guardian - Business

For most of the bust, borrowers that fell behind on their loans were likely to end up in serious difficulties.

The Economist

Active in the voluntary sector, in 1987 he became honorary treasurer to the Alzheimer's Society at a time when it was in serious difficulties.

The Guardian

David Cameron said the chancellor was "clearly in serious difficulties", adding: "I think what matters is that the prime minister either backs him or sacks him".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in serious difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and scope of the challenges. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "in serious difficulty" when the situation is merely inconvenient or slightly problematic. Reserve this phrase for genuinely critical or challenging circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in serious difficulty" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the state or condition of being in a problematic situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in serious difficulty" is a prepositional phrase used to describe situations involving significant challenges or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias, indicating its widespread acceptance in conveying critical situations. When using this phrase, ensure the context highlights the genuine severity of the challenges faced, differentiating it from mere inconvenience. Related phrases like ""in dire straits"" and ""in deep trouble"" offer alternative ways to express similar levels of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in deep trouble

Highlights the severity of the difficulty.

in dire straits

Emphasizes a more critical and urgent state of trouble.

in a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of the circumstances.

facing major challenges

Focuses on the challenges being faced rather than the severity of the situation.

experiencing hardship

Focuses on the experience of difficulty or suffering.

in a tight corner

Suggests a confining and difficult situation to escape from.

in a bad way

Indicates a general state of decline or trouble.

up against it

An informal way of saying someone is facing significant obstacles.

under pressure

Emphasizes the stress and strain of the challenging situation.

in a pickle

An informal way of saying that someone is in trouble or facing a tricky situation.

FAQs

How can I use "in serious difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "in serious difficulty" to describe a situation where someone or something is facing significant challenges or problems. For instance, "The company is in serious difficulty due to the recent economic downturn."

What phrases are similar to "in serious difficulty"?

Alternatives include "in dire straits", "facing major challenges", or "in deep trouble" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in serious difficulty"?

Use "in serious difficulty" when the subject is facing a situation that poses a significant threat or challenge to their well-being, stability, or success.

Is "in serious difficulty" a formal or informal expression?

"In serious difficulty" is considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the severity of the situation being described.