key difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"key difficulty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a particular obstacle or challenge that needs to be addressed. For example, "One of the key difficulties in this project is finding the necessary funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 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

Dyke said a key difficulty was that most observers believed that the BBC Trust would cease to exist, or at least be radically overhauled, as part of charter renewal in 2016.

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key difficulty", ensure it clearly identifies the most significant challenge, distinguishing it from other, lesser obstacles. This helps to focus attention and resources effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "key difficulty" when describing minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the challenge genuinely poses a significant threat to success or progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a significant problem or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show it used in both scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key difficulty" is a widely accepted and frequently used noun phrase that serves to identify a primary challenge or obstacle. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to appear more often in formal writing and speech. When using "key difficulty", ensure you are highlighting a genuinely significant problem and not overstating the importance of a minor inconvenience. Remember to focus on clarity and conciseness so the reader can understand exactly which challenges you are addressing. Related phrases such as "main challenge" or "primary obstacle" may be used as effective alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main challenge

Focuses on the aspect of challenge, suggesting a task that requires effort and resources to overcome.

primary obstacle

Emphasizes the hindering aspect, portraying something that blocks progress.

central problem

Highlights that the difficulty is a core issue needing resolution.

major hurdle

Suggests a significant barrier that must be overcome.

critical issue

Highlights the importance and urgency of the difficulty.

fundamental challenge

Emphasizes that the challenge is deeply rooted and foundational.

chief impediment

Stresses the difficulty as something that hinders or obstructs progress.

principal concern

Highlights the difficulty as the main worry or anxiety.

core complication

Focuses on the intricate and complex nature of the difficulty.

significant setback

Implies that the difficulty has caused a delay or reversal in progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "key difficulty" to highlight a primary challenge or obstacle. For example, "The "key difficulty" in this project is securing sufficient funding."

What are some alternatives to using "key difficulty"?

Alternatives include "main challenge", "primary obstacle", or "central problem" depending on the specific context.

Is "key difficulty" formal or informal?

"Key difficulty" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in professional and academic writing due to its precise and direct nature.

What makes "key difficulty" different from "minor inconvenience"?

"Key difficulty" refers to a substantial obstacle that significantly impacts progress, while "minor inconvenience" describes a small, easily manageable issue. Using "key difficulty" for a trivial problem would be an overstatement.