is facing difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

This part of a sentence is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an individual or group of people that is encountering an obstacle or problem. For example, "The school is facing difficulties due to budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Our economy is facing difficulties unprecedented since World War II".

The New York Times

Presently, society is facing difficulties with identifying an alternative, sustainable, and cost efficient sources of energy.

Yale University

The state is facing difficulties paying its employees and maintaining basic public services.

The Guardian

Paramount is unsurprised that Noah is facing difficulties in Muslim countries, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Independent

But his post-primary surge seems to have come to an end, and recent local polling suggests that he is facing difficulties in some key battleground states.

The New Yorker

In Colombia, for instance, President Álvaro Uribe, a conservative populist and an American ally, is facing difficulties in a push to allow him to run for a third term.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Labor has said it could get the budget back to surplus before the Coalition, which is facing difficulty getting several controversial measures through the Senate.

The Guardian

Well-testing operation in new fields is faced difficulties such as geological complex that requires advanced technology (Wiebe 1980), experienced personnel and longer durations for operations.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The ministry said Iran was facing "difficulties concerning medication supplies".

The New York Times

"Many girls in the village are facing difficulties," she whispers, her face downcast.

The Guardian

"I am aware you are facing difficulties with 500 and 1,000-rupee 1,000-rupee

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "struggling" or "contending" if the situation warrants a stronger emotional appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "is facing difficulties" as a generic placeholder. Instead, be specific about the types of challenges and their potential impact. Vague language dilutes the message and diminishes the perceived seriousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is facing difficulties" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject is currently experiencing problems or challenges. It's a common way to express that someone or something is in a difficult situation, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is facing difficulties" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe that someone or something is currently experiencing challenges. As noted by Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase and is widely used across various contexts, including news, scientific research, and academic writing. While it's a useful phrase, it's important to be specific about the nature of the difficulties and to consider stronger synonyms if the situation warrants it. Remember to avoid overuse and vague language to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is encountering problems

Uses a more general term "problems" instead of "difficulties".

is experiencing challenges

Replaces "difficulties" with "challenges", implying a more proactive approach to overcoming obstacles.

is struggling with

Suggests a more intense and ongoing effort to deal with the difficulties.

is having a hard time

More informal and emphasizes the unpleasantness of the situation.

is in trouble

Indicates a more serious and potentially dangerous situation.

is undergoing hardship

Suggests a severe and sustained period of difficulty.

is navigating obstacles

Emphasizes the process of overcoming specific barriers.

is dealing with adversity

Highlights the unfavorable circumstances that are being confronted.

is up against it

An idiomatic expression indicating a challenging situation.

is in dire straits

Indicates a critical and urgent situation requiring immediate action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is facing difficulties" in a more formal way?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "is encountering problems", "is experiencing challenges", or "is navigating obstacles".

What are some synonyms for "is facing difficulties" that convey a sense of struggle?

To emphasize the struggle, you could use phrases like "is struggling with" or "is having a hard time". These options highlight the effort required to overcome the difficulties.

When is it appropriate to use "is facing difficulties" instead of "is in trouble"?

"Is facing difficulties" is suitable when referring to challenges or obstacles that need to be overcome. "Is in trouble" suggests a more serious or dangerous situation, potentially involving negative consequences.

What's the difference between "is facing difficulties" and "is experiencing difficulties"?

The phrases "is facing difficulties" and "is experiencing difficulties" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate that someone or something is encountering problems or challenges. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.