is having difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is having difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone currently experiencing challenges or problems in a particular situation. Example: "She is having difficulties understanding the new software, which has slowed down her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The corporations are slugging it out and the average Joe is having difficulties".

The New York Times

The narrator is the father of a second-grader, Phillip, who is having difficulties in school.

The New Yorker

And even parents who suspect that their teenager is having difficulties do not often know how to help, she said.

The New York Times

"Flooz is having difficulties, and in the best interest of our customers we've taken it off our site," she said.

The New York Times

[Baugur] is having difficulties as we all know, but we are not directly affected by that in any way".

The Guardian - Business

The latest bulletins include Hyundais and Hondas, and also a Jaguar that is having difficulties with spark plugs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The author is having difficulty ordering his speech.

The New Yorker

Chris Christie is having difficulty talking.

Huffington Post

Look for signs that your child is having difficulty breathing.

WikiHow

Use lubrication if the sire is having difficulty with penetration.

WikiHow

Ask your child if he is having difficulty swallowing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is having difficulties", ensure the context clearly specifies what the subject is struggling with. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The project is having difficulties", specify "The project is having difficulties meeting the deadline".

Common error

Avoid using "is having difficulties" to obscure responsibility or action. Instead of stating "Mistakes are having difficulties being rectified", a more direct and active voice would be "The team is having difficulties rectifying the mistakes". This clarifies who is responsible and what action is being taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is having difficulties" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing state of experiencing problems or challenges. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples where the phrase describes current situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is having difficulties" is a common and correct way to express that someone or something is currently experiencing challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly specifies the nature of the difficulties to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "is struggling" or "is facing challenges" can add nuance, depending on the specific situation. In writing, aim for active voice to clearly identify who or what is responsible for addressing these difficulties. Finally, while acceptable in most settings, "is experiencing difficulties" offers a slightly more formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is facing challenges

Emphasizes the presence of obstacles that need to be overcome.

is struggling

Highlights the effort and strain involved in dealing with a problem.

is experiencing problems

Focuses on the occurrence of issues that are causing trouble.

is encountering obstacles

Similar to "is facing challenges" but perhaps more formal and emphasizes specific impediments.

is in trouble

Indicates a state of distress or difficulty, often implying a more serious situation.

is undergoing hardship

Suggests a period of suffering or adversity.

is dealing with adversity

Highlights the act of managing difficult situations or circumstances.

is not coping well

Focuses on the inability to manage or handle a situation effectively.

is finding it hard

A more informal way of saying that something is difficult for someone.

is up against it

An idiomatic expression meaning to be facing significant challenges or difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "is having difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "is having difficulties" to describe a person, object, or entity that is experiencing challenges or problems. For example, "The company "is having difficulties" increasing its sales" or "He "is having difficulties" understanding the concept".

What are some alternatives to "is having difficulties"?

Some alternatives include "is struggling", "is facing challenges", "is experiencing problems", or "is encountering obstacles". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "is experiencing difficulties" instead of "is having difficulties"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "is experiencing difficulties" tends to be slightly more formal than ""is having difficulties"". The latter is suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing, while the former is often preferred in business or academic contexts.

What is the difference between "is having difficulty" and "is having difficulties"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "is having difficulties" implies multiple or ongoing problems, while "is having difficulty" can refer to a single instance or a general state. For example, "He "is having difficulty" with the new software" suggests a general issue, whereas "He "is having difficulties" completing the tasks" suggests multiple specific problems.