make difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

"make difficulties" is a valid phrase in written English.
To use it, you could say, "When the deadline loomed, my lack of preparation began to make difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When people strike and make difficulties for others, it is not correct.

The New Yorker

On leaving, I remark to his interpreter (the interview was in Farsi) how curious it is that truly talented people never make difficulties in interviews; it is only those of dubious ability who put up barriers.

The Guardian - Film

The story had been seized on by Viktor Orban, the authoritarian Hungarian leader who has deep Russian ties of his own, as an excuse to make difficulties for Ukraine in various NATO and E.U. councils.

The Washington Post

If we are to believe one of his alter egos, it was amid all this unremitting pleasantness that Kierkegaard comprehended "that it was my task: to make difficulties everywhere".

The New York Times - Travel

They will have to wait until a May 16th-17th meeting of EU finance ministers (at which the Finns, still trying to form a government, may yet make difficulties) to learn what interest rate the country will have to pay.

The Economist

You can also make difficulties for people.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Presently high inhabitant's expansion, fast urbanization and climate change along with the irregular frequency and intensity of rainfall make difficulty for appropriate water management and storage plans.

Applied Water Science

The world keeps changing, which makes difficulties for everyone - especially writers.

The Guardian - Books

When some powerful monarch made difficulties, there was a strong inducement to produce the required ancient-looking documents.

Britannica

'Small country making difficulties faces digital extinction.' That is not, coldly considered, a very appealing solution on either side.

The Guardian - Tech

Ever pragmatic, when the House of Lords made difficulties, he told them that the Commons could run the country alone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make difficulties" when you want to emphasize the act of creating or causing problems, especially in situations where those problems hinder progress or create inconvenience for others. For example, "His constant complaints made difficulties for the team's morale."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "make difficulties" can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "complicate matters" or "present challenges", especially in formal writing. Consider the tone and audience when choosing this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make difficulties" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of creating or causing problems. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It is used to express that someone or something is causing issues or obstacles, often hindering progress or creating inconvenience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make difficulties" is a grammatically sound way to describe creating problems or obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid in written English. While not extremely common, it finds usage across various contexts, especially in news media and scientific writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of the alternatives available, such as "cause trouble" or "complicate matters", to ensure the most appropriate tone for your writing. Be sure to avoid overusing it in very formal writing, where other options may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create problems

Focuses on the creation of issues rather than specifically difficulties.

cause trouble

Emphasizes the disruptive or negative consequences of actions.

complicate matters

Highlights the act of making a situation more complex.

obstruct progress

Focuses on hindering advancement or forward movement.

impede progress

Similar to "obstruct progress", but implies a more significant slowing down.

pose challenges

Presents difficulties as obstacles that need to be overcome.

present obstacles

Emphasizes the act of introducing barriers or impediments.

stir up strife

Implies creating conflict or discord.

generate complications

Highlights the production of complex or problematic situations.

foment problems

Suggests actively encouraging or instigating difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "make difficulties" to describe the act of creating problems or obstacles in a situation. For example, "The new regulations "make difficulties" for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "make difficulties"?

Alternatives to "make difficulties" include "create problems", "cause trouble", or "complicate matters", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cause difficulties" or "make difficulties"?

Both "cause difficulties" and "make difficulties" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Cause difficulties" might imply a more direct result, while "make difficulties" can suggest a more gradual or indirect creation of problems.

What's the difference between "make difficulties" and "present challenges"?

"Make difficulties" often implies creating problems that hinder progress. "Present challenges" is generally more neutral, suggesting obstacles that need to be overcome without necessarily implying a negative intent or outcome.