lingering difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lingering difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe challenges or problems that persist over time, often despite efforts to resolve them. Example: "Despite the team's hard work, there are still lingering difficulties in the project that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The head coach has denied that he was the "high ranking person" who called Jessica Ennis fat and has spoken to her to smooth out any lingering difficulties.

The Guardian - Sport

There was barely a negative report about the race, despite some lingering difficulties and local color, such as cows herded down roads outside the circuit and journalists and Formula One personnel occasionally having to use motorized rickshaws.

The New York Times - Sports

The shift, officials said, may be necessary because of the lingering difficulties in rebuilding the country and establishing law and order in a nation still wracked by banditry, warlords and renegade Taliban fighters.

The New York Times

On Saturday the Taper will reopen with a revival of John Guare's "House of Blue Leaves" after a yearlong, $30 million renovation that Mr. Ritchie predicts will solve those lingering difficulties.

The New York Times

During the meeting Mr. Barroso is expected to show that the commission is willing to be flexible, by proposing that a number of states be given more time to meet their budgetary targets because of the lingering difficulties in the European economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There are still many hurdles for the industry to clear, including the insider trading investigation, lingering difficulty in raising money, and the liquidity demands from investors still fuming over lockups in 2008 that denied them access to their cash.

The New York Times

A few others grumble about lack of consultation with his Chicago-based campaign, and his lingering difficulty in fashioning economic arguments that can garner the working-class support needed to win Midwestern battlegrounds.

The New York Times

Although resolution of mTBI symptoms is expected over time, some individuals continue to report lingering cognitive difficulties.

Stanford University

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is not uncommon among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans, and many individuals within this group report lingering cognitive difficulties following their injury.

Stanford University

Because the two sides in a lingering dispute have difficulty seeing each other's pain, conflict resolution is best viewed as a journey rather than an event, writes Blair.

Harvard University

Although our set of chosen covariates excludes proximate determinants in order to minimize endogeneity problems, and is consistent with variables used in previous literature [ 2, 11, 13], there is still potential for lingering endogeneity leading to difficulties in parameter interpretation.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lingering difficulties" to describe situations where you want to emphasize that the problems are not new but have been present for some time. This can be particularly effective in reports or analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "lingering difficulties" in situations where simpler terms like "ongoing problems" or "remaining issues" would suffice. Overusing complex phrases can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Only use "lingering difficulties" when the context genuinely requires emphasizing the duration and persistence of the problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering difficulties" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'lingering' modifies 'difficulties'. It describes problems or challenges that persist over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lingering difficulties" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively describes challenges or problems that persist over time, fitting into a neutral to professional register. While not extremely common, its usage is seen in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly explains the origins and persistence of the difficulties. For situations where simpler terms suffice, alternatives like "ongoing issues" or "remaining problems" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Persistent challenges

Focuses more on the active and demanding nature of the difficulties.

Ongoing issues

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the problems without necessarily highlighting their severity.

Remaining problems

Highlights that these are the issues left after some attempts at resolution.

Unresolved complications

Suggests that the difficulties are complex and have not yet been addressed.

Continuing struggles

Emphasizes the effort and hardship involved in dealing with the difficulties.

Lasting setbacks

Focuses on the negative impact and the enduring nature of the difficulties.

Chronic problems

Highlights the long-term and recurring nature of the difficulties.

Persistent drawbacks

Focuses on the negative aspects that continue to hinder progress.

Sustained impediments

Highlights the continuous and obstructive nature of the difficulties.

Unfading challenges

Emphasizes that the difficulties are not diminishing or disappearing over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "lingering difficulties" to describe ongoing problems that persist despite efforts to resolve them. For example, "Despite the new management, the company still faces "lingering difficulties" from the previous administration".

What are some alternatives to "lingering difficulties"?

Some alternatives to "lingering difficulties" include "persistent challenges", "ongoing issues", or "remaining problems". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "lingering difficulties" or "lingering issues"?

Both "lingering difficulties" and "lingering issues" are correct, but "difficulties" suggests more significant or complex problems, while "issues" can refer to more minor concerns. Choose the term that best reflects the gravity of the situation.

What's the difference between "lingering difficulties" and "recurring difficulties"?

"Lingering difficulties" implies that the problems have persisted continuously over time, while "recurring difficulties" suggests that the problems appear, disappear, and then reappear periodically. The former emphasizes duration, and the latter emphasizes repetition.