minor difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant problem or challenge that one may encounter. Example: "We encountered a minor difficulty during the project, but we were able to resolve it quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

His already being married, to his second wife, was only a minor difficulty compared with this.

The New Yorker

This polyglot element is only a minor difficulty, for Mr. Joyce is using language in a new way.

The Guardian - Books

The conflicts of the 90s had much in common, too (with the minor difficulty that events are changing, dizzyingly, as we rewrite, rehearse and indeed present the play).

The Guardian

The ostensibly ongoing oil embargo against South Africa has been circumvented with only minor difficulty, first by shipments from Iran, then by secret purchases from the spot market and finally by development of an oil-from-coal industry.

The New York Times

The first two pieces went up with only minor difficulty, but the third piece would be the trickiest, said Frank Mariano, one of five Marianos who were working on the job yesterday.

The New York Times

An offsetting virtue, and why even pessimists might be reassured by this book, is that it proves how bad luck was, at most, just a minor difficulty compared with the problems that were wholly self-inflicted.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Isn't it time we were more aware of the powerful, semi-hidden race question that all too often turns minor difficulties into major stories when it comes to our ethnic minority politicians?

The Guardian - Opinion

His offshore alternatives confront a minor difficulty--they're illegal and for good reason.

Princeton University

During operation we dealt with 27 minor difficulties.

Injury

Edmonds appeared slow in the outfield, which he attributed to "minor difficulties" with his leg.

The New York Times - Sports

You jump to conclusions, get stressed by minor difficulties and problems, and question yourself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minor difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates that the problem is indeed small and doesn't significantly impede progress. For instance, specify what larger goal is only slightly affected by the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "minor difficulty" when the problem is actually substantial. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility. If the issue causes significant delays or complications, use a more accurate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "minor" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "difficulty". This phrase describes a problem or challenge that is not significant or severe. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minor difficulty" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small problem or challenge. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a usable expression in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. While "minor difficulty" is generally neutral in tone, be mindful of overstating or understating the problem's actual impact. Alternatives like "slight challenge" or "small obstacle" can be used for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight challenge

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge", emphasizing the stimulating nature of the impediment, implying it is something to be overcome.

small obstacle

Substitutes "difficulty" with "obstacle", framing it as a barrier to be bypassed or surmounted.

minor setback

Uses "setback" instead of "difficulty", highlighting the temporary nature of the issue and its impact on progress.

slight hitch

Replaces "difficulty" with "hitch", which implies a temporary and usually easily resolved problem.

small hiccup

Suggests a brief and inconsequential disruption; less formal than "minor difficulty".

trivial issue

Indicates that the difficulty is of little significance or consequence.

manageable problem

Emphasizes the resolvability and control one has over the "difficulty".

inconsequential complication

Highlights the lack of importance of the difficulty and frames it as a complex element.

negligible impediment

Downplays the difficulty by describing it as an insignificant obstruction.

passing concern

Implies the difficulty is fleeting and not worth dwelling on.

FAQs

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

You can use "minor difficulty" to describe a small problem or challenge. For example: "We encountered a "minor difficulty" during the project, but we were able to resolve it quickly."

What's a good alternative to "minor difficulty"?

Alternatives include "slight challenge", "small obstacle", or "slight hitch" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "minor difficulty"?

Use "minor difficulty" when you want to downplay the seriousness of a problem and emphasize that it is easily manageable or has minimal impact.

Is "minor difficulty" formal or informal?

"Minor difficulty" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might opt for alternatives like "slight impediment" or "manageable challenge".