main difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'main difficulty' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most significant problem or obstacle in a given situation. For example: One of the main difficulties of this project is finding the resources to complete it.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main difficulty conscripts must endure is constant hunger.

The Guardian

"The main difficulty is getting the thicker returnable bottles.

The New York Times

The main difficulty has been in the interweaving.

The New York Times - Arts

The main difficulty for the prospective visitor is travel to the island.

The Guardian

The main difficulty is not knowing what's a trend, what's a backlash, and what's a blip.

The New Yorker

The main difficulty is that there are two syllables in people and only one in Queen.

The Guardian

The instructions are now zeroing in on the main difficulty: you are no good.

The New Yorker

The main difficulty is that the Saudis themselves feel vulnerable to the Islamic fundamentalists.

The New York Times

"The main difficulty is communicating effectively with the public," he said.

The Guardian

"My main difficulty has been pounding mike technique into him," Wilson said.

The New Yorker

"Both companies are seeing their borrowing costs increase; that's the main difficulty," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main difficulty", ensure it accurately reflects the most significant challenge in the context. Using it appropriately adds clarity and focus to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "main difficulty" when referring to minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the obstacle is truly central to the issue at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most significant problem or challenge within a given context. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main difficulty" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively highlights the primary challenge or obstacle in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related writing. When using this phrase, remember to ensure it accurately reflects the most significant hurdle, and consider alternative phrases like "primary challenge" or "principal obstacle" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary challenge

Focuses on the 'challenge' aspect, implying a task that requires effort and skill.

principal obstacle

Emphasizes the 'obstacle' aspect, highlighting something that blocks progress.

key problem

Highlights the 'problem' aspect, indicating an issue that needs to be resolved.

major impediment

Stresses the 'impediment' aspect, pointing to something that hinders advancement.

central issue

Focuses on the 'issue' aspect, indicating a point of debate or concern.

chief concern

Highlights the 'concern' aspect, implying a worry or anxiety.

primary complication

Emphasizes the 'complication' aspect, highlighting something that makes a situation more complex.

fundamental hurdle

Stresses the 'hurdle' aspect, pointing to a barrier that must be overcome.

critical snag

Focuses on the 'snag' aspect, indicating an unexpected or hidden obstacle.

main stumbling block

Highlights the 'stumbling block' aspect, suggesting something that causes one to hesitate or fail.

FAQs

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

You can use "main difficulty" to identify the most significant obstacle or challenge in a particular situation. For example, "The "main difficulty" in this project is securing funding".

What are some alternatives to "main difficulty"?

Alternatives include "primary challenge", "principal obstacle", or "key problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "main difficulty" or "major difficulty"?

Both "main difficulty" and "major difficulty" are acceptable, but "main difficulty" implies the single most significant issue, while "major difficulty" suggests one of several significant issues.

What's the difference between "main difficulty" and "basic difficulty"?

"Main difficulty" refers to the primary or most important challenge, while "basic difficulty" refers to a fundamental or underlying challenge. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the importance or the foundational nature of the problem.