initial difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to challenges or obstacles encountered at the beginning of a process or situation. Example: "Despite the initial difficulties we faced during the project, we managed to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some initial difficulties were encountered.

International Journal of Food Microbiology

After initial difficulties, Amy settled within a few weeks.

The Guardian

Though there were initial difficulties, Cox eventually developed considerable admiration for Robert Kennedy's work on civil rights.

The Guardian

Some of the initial difficulties such as computer glitches are unlikely to recur.

The Economist

Woo had some initial difficulties adjusting to Hollywood filmmaking when he began working in the United States in 1993.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The charity's managing director of commercial and shared services, Charles Scott, says it's more than paid off despite some initial difficulties.

The Guardian

The Gujarati community from east Africa was largely well-to-do, so, after some initial difficulties, it was relatively easy for us to integrate here.

The Guardian

The boldness of the move was highlighted by the company's initial difficulties: From 1989 to 1991, for example, Capital One's losses from its credit card portfolio doubled.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Plouffe cautioned that Mr. Biden's initial difficulties could all mean very little should the former vice president enjoy a successful start when he formally enters the race.

The New York Times

The initial difficulties it had ramping up production of its new console were mainly due to problems in the manufacture of its in-house chip.Microsoft's weakness is different.

The Economist

While many of Mrs. Obama's advisers do not have White House experience and may have initial difficulties navigating its bureaucracy, the official said the staff was far more politically seasoned than Mrs. Bush's team.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project or process, use "initial difficulties" to acknowledge early challenges and set the stage for how they were overcome. This can create a more compelling narrative.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that there were "initial difficulties" without explaining what those difficulties were. Providing specific examples makes your writing more informative and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes problems or challenges encountered at the beginning of a process or situation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial difficulties" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to challenges faced at the beginning of a process or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and academia. While alternatives like "early setbacks" or "preliminary challenges" exist, "initial difficulties" maintains a balance of formality and clarity. Remember to provide specific examples when using this phrase to enhance your writing's impact. Ludwig's analysis reveals its wide applicability and consistent usage across reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial obstacles

Highlights the barriers encountered at the beginning.

early setbacks

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the initial problems.

preliminary challenges

Highlights the challenges faced at the start.

early hurdles

Emphasizes the obstacles that needed to be overcome at the beginning.

first complications

Focuses on the complex nature of the initial problems.

starting troubles

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the problems at the outset.

nascent issues

More formal, emphasizing the emerging nature of the problems.

original struggles

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty faced at the start.

incipient problems

Stresses that the problems are just beginning to appear.

primary impediments

More formal and specific, highlighting the hindering aspect of the initial problems.

FAQs

How can I use "initial difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "initial difficulties" to describe challenges at the beginning of a process. For instance, "Despite the "initial difficulties", the project was a success."

What are some alternatives to "initial difficulties"?

Consider using "early setbacks", "preliminary challenges", or "initial obstacles" as alternatives to "initial difficulties", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "initial difficulties" or "early difficulties"?

"Initial difficulties" and "early difficulties" are largely interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific tone and flow of your writing.

What's the difference between "initial difficulties" and "unexpected complications"?

"Initial difficulties" generally refers to expected challenges at the start, while "unexpected complications" refers to unforeseen problems that arise.