major difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

"major difficulties" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to significant or serious problems or challenges. You can use it when describing a situation that involves significant challenges or obstacles. For example: "The company faced major difficulties during the economic crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The major difficulties lie in two facts.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

Currently, the treatment of PF continues to pose major difficulties.

Nature

Two major difficulties are encountered in designing the system.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Which are the major difficulties to be overcome?

Land Use Policy

And churches in some regions say they have not experienced major difficulties.

The New York Times

However, this causes some major difficulties for other universities recruiting in the ABB pool.

The Guardian

We want frictionless, "turnkey" solutions to the major difficulties of the world — hunger, disease, poverty.

The New Yorker

These children faced major difficulties growing up in one of the country's poorest municipalities.

University of California, Berkeley

In this long haul the Americans are liable to encounter three major difficulties.

The Economist

He reported major difficulties among the refugees in finding food and getting access to electric power.

The New York Times

Major difficulties have arisen from the inherent mobilities of phosphorylated and glycosylated side chains.

Protein Expression and Purification

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major difficulties", ensure the context clearly establishes the significance of the challenges being described. Provide specific details or examples to illustrate the extent of the difficulties.

Common error

Avoid using "major difficulties" to describe trivial or easily resolvable issues. Reserve it for situations involving substantial, impactful challenges to maintain credibility and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major difficulties" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating the presence of significant challenges or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "major difficulties" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting significant challenges or problems. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. Its presence is strongly felt in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, it is advisable to ensure the context justifies the scale of the challenges described, avoiding its use for trivial issues. Related phrases include "significant challenges" and "serious problems". Common mistakes involve overstating minor issues with the phrase, so writers should reserve it for truly impactful obstacles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant challenges

Replaces "difficulties" with "challenges" while maintaining the emphasis on the substantial nature of the issues.

serious problems

Substitutes "difficulties" with "problems" to denote grave issues or concerns.

substantial obstacles

Replaces "difficulties" with "obstacles", highlighting the impediments and barriers encountered.

considerable setbacks

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the issues, using "setbacks" to imply delays or regressions.

tough predicaments

Emphasizes the challenging and awkward situations resulting from the difficulties.

grave complications

Highlights the potentially severe consequences or entanglements caused by the difficulties.

critical issues

Focuses on the urgency and importance of the difficulties.

severe impediments

Highlights the hindering aspect of the issues, implying significant obstructions.

profound struggles

Emphasizes the deep and intense effort required to overcome the difficulties.

notable hardships

Draws attention to the severe conditions and sufferings caused by the difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "major difficulties" to describe significant problems or challenges. For example, "The project encountered "major difficulties" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "major difficulties"?

Alternatives include "significant challenges", "serious problems", or "substantial obstacles", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "major difficulties" in formal writing?

Yes, "major difficulties" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly conveys the presence of significant challenges. However, ensure the level of formality aligns with the overall tone and audience.

What's the difference between "major difficulties" and "minor inconveniences"?

"Major difficulties" refer to substantial problems that significantly hinder progress or success, while "minor inconveniences" are small, easily manageable issues that cause slight disruption.