navigate a difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "navigate a difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of dealing with or overcoming a challenging situation or obstacle. Example: "In order to succeed in this project, we must learn how to navigate a difficulty that has arisen in our planning phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Following successful animal trials (said to have restored the vision of blind dogs so they could navigate a maze without difficulty), it is hoped that the technique, which involves injecting working copies of faulty genes directly into the retina, will prove equally effective when carried out on humans.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After declining to blink in the face of the British Medical Association's final ultimatum – the established custom of health secretaries since the 1940s – Mr Hunt now has to navigate a way through these formidable difficulties in a mood, not of consultative professionalism, but industrial antagonism.

The Guardian - Opinion

It created a series of scripts that managers could rely on to coach team members as they used new programs and to help them navigate any difficulties they encountered when adopting new processes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

President Shriver is well-remembered for navigating a stretch of financial difficulty for the Seminary.

Columbia University

Researchers fitted some dung beetles with cardboard caps to keep their eyes on the ground, finding they had more difficulty navigating a circular arena when their view of the sky was blocked.

Huffington Post

In addition, language barriers [ 29- 31] and difficulties navigating a new maternity health care system [ 32] are complicating factors.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The historic Lauberhorn run combines high levels of speed and difficulty in navigating a tricky and energy-sapping course.

BBC

But figuring out which agencies could assist Reynolds, especially once he wandered off from skid row, shows the difficulty in navigating a system set up to help.

Los Angeles Times

Like adjustments for dyslexia, they do not solve the challenges of being different, they simply make it easier to navigate the difficulty of living in a world that assumes certain norms.

The Guardian

Nintendo's challenges highlight the difficulties of navigating a fast-changing industry.

The New York Times - Tech

Other challenges, such as delayed diagnosis, limited access to mental health care, and difficulty navigating an unfamiliar military health care system was also reported.Because of mTBI's lack of visible manifestation, soldiers may confuse their mTBI symptoms with those of other deployment-related injuries and this leads to a delay in treatment.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "navigate a difficulty" when you want to emphasize the process of actively finding a way through a challenging situation, rather than simply overcoming it.

Common error

Avoid using "navigate a difficulty" in contexts where a more direct verb like "solve" or "resolve" would be clearer and more concise. Overuse of metaphorical language can obscure your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "navigate a difficulty" functions as a verbal phrase, describing the action of maneuvering through a challenging situation. Though Ludwig doesn't offer specific examples for the exact phrase, the construction aligns with established patterns of English grammar.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "navigate a difficulty" is grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that no specific examples were found in the provided data. This suggests the phrase might be uncommon in contemporary usage. It conveys the action of maneuvering strategically through a challenging situation. Although it can be used in different context, it is important to be used in one in which a more direct verb cannot be applicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome an obstacle

Focuses on the successful surmounting of a barrier or impediment.

manage a challenge

Emphasizes the active handling and control of a difficult situation.

handle a problem

Highlights the resolution of an issue or difficulty.

deal with a setback

Specifically addresses managing a negative event or reversal.

maneuver through a hardship

Implies careful and strategic movement to overcome difficult circumstances.

address a complication

Suggests directly tackling a factor that makes something more difficult.

resolve an issue

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific problem or concern.

tackle a tough situation

Implies confronting and dealing with a demanding set of circumstances.

rise above a struggle

Highlights overcoming a prolonged or intense effort to achieve something.

weather a storm

Uses a metaphor to convey enduring and surviving a period of difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "navigate a difficulty" to describe the process of finding a way to overcome a challenging situation. For example: "The company had to navigate a difficulty during the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "navigate a difficulty"?

Some alternatives include "overcome a challenge", "manage a problem", or "deal with a setback", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "navigate a difficulty" or "overcome a difficulty"?

Both "navigate a difficulty" and "overcome a difficulty" are correct, but "navigate a difficulty" implies a more active and strategic approach to finding a solution, while "overcome a difficulty" suggests a more direct conquering of the obstacle.

What kind of situations would be best described using "navigate a difficulty"?

"Navigate a difficulty" is best used when the situation requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and adaptation to changing circumstances, rather than a simple or straightforward solution.