key difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

"key difficulties" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the main or most important challenges or obstacles in a certain situation. Example: Despite their efforts, the team faced several key difficulties in completing the project on time. These included limited resources, conflicting schedules, and communication barriers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

There are two key difficulties in extending these sorts of calculations, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the key difficulties has been caused by the two nuclear power stations, Heysham 1 and Hartlepool.

The Guardian - Business

Consider this: Livingstone has two key difficulties to overcome if he is to win the mayoral election in May.

The Guardian - Opinion

"One of their key difficulties is how the women see themselves, and this is how society sees them, as failed," says Felicity Reed, practice lead for Pause Southwark.

The Guardian

This was an interesting episode for Julie Walters in that it pointed up one of the key difficulties of this show: Indian Summers isn't comfortable with tone.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, there were some key difficulties.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The key difficulty here is to know where is Nairu.

Independent

That for me is the key difficulty and the prime minister has got it right.

The Guardian

"Some people will always cheat," said Professor Cowan, who believes the key difficulty lies in proving that substances such as testosterone, that already exist in the body, have voluntarily been administered.

The Guardian - Sport

One key difficulty is the availability of broadcasting spectrum to make local or city TV a reality, since mobile operators are expected to take precedence in an auction of transmission frequencies freed up by digital switchover.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One key difficulty in determining what an individual performance-enhancing drug brings to an athlete, Rogol said, is that few people involved in doping use just a single treatment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key difficulties", be specific about what those difficulties are. Avoid vague statements and provide concrete examples to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of the "key difficulties". While they are important, ensure that your language remains objective and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key difficulties" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to identify significant problems or challenges in a particular context, and this aligns with the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key difficulties" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote the most significant challenges or obstacles within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is commonly found in science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific details about the challenges to enhance clarity. While alternatives like "major challenges" or "primary obstacles" exist, "key difficulties" provides a direct and impactful way to highlight critical issues that need attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal difficulties

Uses a more formal synonym for "key".

major challenges

Focuses on the magnitude of the difficulties.

core challenges

Highlights the central nature of the difficulties.

primary obstacles

Highlights the obstructive nature of the difficulties.

chief obstacles

Highlights the hierarchical importance of the difficulties.

critical issues

Emphasizes the importance and criticality of the difficulties.

fundamental problems

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of the difficulties.

main problems

Offers a more general term for difficulties.

significant hurdles

Conveys the idea of overcoming difficulties.

major stumbling blocks

Emphasizes the impediment aspect of the difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "key difficulties" to introduce the most important problems or challenges related to a specific situation. For example: "The "key difficulties" in implementing the new policy include budget constraints and lack of staff training".

What are some alternatives to "key difficulties"?

Alternatives to "key difficulties" include "major challenges", "primary obstacles", or "critical issues" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "key difficulties" or "main difficulties"?

Both "key difficulties" and "main difficulties" are grammatically correct. "Key difficulties" emphasizes the importance or criticality of the challenges, while "main difficulties" simply highlights the most significant ones. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "key difficulties" and "challenges"?

"Challenges" is a broader term that encompasses any obstacle or difficult task. "Key difficulties" specifically refers to the most important or significant challenges among others, implying a focused selection of the most impactful issues.