in the difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the difficulty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing a challenging or problematic situation. Example: "In the difficulty of the current economic climate, many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps the answer is in the difficulty in answering.

The New Yorker

The reasons could well lie in the difficulty of attracting the attention of the target group.

The Guardian

A good part of this exhibition's relevance lies in the difficulty of distinguishing its two aspects.

The New York Times - Arts

NPR on the decline in the difficulty of books assigned to high schoolers.

The New Yorker

It results in the difficulty of automatically digitizing and extracting a shoe-pattern boundary.

Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

The problem lay in the difficulty of understanding Jesus as truly human.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shavla's anti-poaching brigades vie with those of Nouabalé-Ndoki in the difficulty of their task.

The Economist

Their very surroundings schooled them in the difficulty of holding the crossroads of three continents.

The New York Times - Books

But the best hope for ending the war lies in the difficulty of supplying troops.

The Economist

The challenge of responding to RT lies in the difficulty of drawing clear lines between information and propaganda.

The Washington Post

Dec. 30: Growing interest in Bitcoin leads to the first increase in the difficulty of bitcoin-mining.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the difficulty" to precisely highlight the problematic aspect or challenge within a specific context. This phrase is particularly useful when discussing research limitations, strategic planning, or problem-solving scenarios.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "in the difficulty" may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the problem is" or "it's hard to" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the difficulty" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to specify a location, condition, or circumstance where a challenge or problem exists. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in identifying obstacles or problematic areas within a particular context. The phrase serves to pinpoint the source or nature of the complication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the difficulty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It pinpoints challenging aspects within various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. While versatile, its formality makes it less suitable for casual settings. Alternatives like "amidst the challenges" or "given the complexity" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Understanding the specific challenge and context allows for precise and effective communication. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's common usage and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amidst the challenges

Focuses on the presence of challenges rather than the state of being difficult, suggesting a situation where difficulties are ongoing.

considering the obstacles

Highlights the presence of specific obstacles that contribute to the difficulty, drawing attention to identifiable impediments.

given the complexity

Emphasizes the intricate nature of a situation as the reason for difficulty, highlighting the complexity as a key factor.

in light of the problem

Shifts the focus to a specific problem that causes the difficulty, framing the situation as a response to a particular issue.

amidst the hardship

Focuses on the suffering and adverse conditions, indicating a state of difficulty marked by adversity.

facing the predicament

Emphasizes the challenging nature of a situation that is unpleasant or difficult.

grappling with the issue

Implies an active struggle to overcome a problem, emphasizing the effort involved in managing the difficulty.

in a tough spot

Presents an informal way of conveying being in a difficult situation.

with the encumbrance of

Highlights the burden or impediment that makes something difficult, focusing on the hindering aspect.

bearing the brunt of

Underscores the impact of a difficulty, emphasizing the experience of enduring the worst part of a challenging situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the difficulty" to introduce a challenge or problematic aspect within a given context. For example, "The project's delay lies "in the difficulty" of securing necessary resources".

What are some alternatives to "in the difficulty"?

Alternatives include phrases like "amidst the challenges", "given the complexity", or "considering the obstacles", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Each option slightly alters the focus or emphasis compared to "in the difficulty".

Is it more appropriate to say "because of the difficulty" or "in the difficulty"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "because of the difficulty" directly states the cause-and-effect relationship. "In the difficulty", on the other hand, positions the challenge as a circumstance or condition. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the cause or the setting.

What makes "in the difficulty" different from "with the difficulty"?

"In the difficulty" suggests being surrounded or immersed within a challenging situation. "With the difficulty" implies facing or dealing with a specific challenge. The former emphasizes context, while the latter emphasizes confrontation.