learning difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

'learning difficulties' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a range of issues that a person may have when they are trying to learn new information. For example: "John has been struggling in school due to his learning difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did Fred have learning difficulties?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She's got learning difficulties; she doesn't understand".

The Guardian

She had learning difficulties at school.

The New York Times

For services to people with learning difficulties and their families.

The Guardian

Here was somebody with learning difficulties who'd triumphed anyway.

The Guardian - Music

(The exceptions are learning difficulties, and mental health).

The Guardian - Opinion

They might have learning difficulties, or be struggling with English.

Independent

Learning difficulties and antisocial behaviour may occur secondarily.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Learning difficulties, in 55 languages ReprintsWhat went wrong?

The Economist

I've worked with people with learning difficulties for years and I couldn't characterise it.

The Guardian - Music

The US supreme court banned executions for people with learning difficulties in 2002.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "learning difficulties", be specific about the type of challenge a person faces (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia) if the information is available and relevant. This provides clearer understanding and avoids generalizations.

Common error

Don't assume that all individuals with "learning difficulties" have the same challenges or require the same support. Each person's needs are unique and should be addressed individually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "learning difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a range of specific challenges that affect a person's ability to learn, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "learning difficulties" is a grammatically sound and widely used term to describe a range of challenges affecting an individual's ability to learn. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to categorize and discuss these challenges across various fields, including education, healthcare, and media. While often used interchangeably with "learning disabilities", regional preferences may vary. When using this phrase, specificity and sensitivity are key to accurately portraying the unique needs of each individual. This phrase has a neutral register and is very commonly encountered in news, science and encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learning disabilities

This term is often used interchangeably with "learning difficulties", though "learning disabilities" is more common in the United States.

struggles with learning

This is a more informal way to describe the experience of having "learning difficulties".

special educational needs

This is a broader term used in educational contexts to refer to students who require additional support to learn effectively.

academic challenges

This phrase is a more general term, referring to any kind of difficulty encountered in an academic setting.

difficulties in comprehension

This focuses specifically on problems understanding information, a common component of learning difficulties.

educational obstacles

This highlights the barriers to education caused by specific learning issues.

intellectual challenges

This refers to difficulties in intellectual functioning, which can impact learning abilities.

cognitive impairments

This term refers to a broader range of difficulties with mental processes, not exclusively related to learning.

developmental delays

This phrase is used to describe situations where a child's development is slower than expected, which can affect learning.

neurodevelopmental disorders

This is a more clinical term encompassing a range of conditions that affect the development and function of the brain, leading to learning and behavioral challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "learning difficulties" to describe challenges someone faces in acquiring knowledge or skills. For example, "The student is receiving extra support due to their learning difficulties".

What are some other ways to say "learning difficulties"?

Alternatives include "learning disabilities", "academic challenges", or "special educational needs", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "learning difficulties" or "learning disabilities"?

Both terms are used, but "learning disabilities" is more common in the United States, while "learning difficulties" is often preferred in the UK. The choice depends on regional conventions and the specific context.

What support is typically available for students with "learning difficulties"?

Support can include individualized education programs (IEPs), tutoring, assistive technology, and modifications to classroom instruction. The specific support depends on the nature and severity of the learning difficulty.