practical difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

'practical difficulties' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to practical issues or obstacles that are standing in the way of achieving a goal. For example, "We encountered some practical difficulties while attempting to launch the project, so we had to postpone the launch date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But practical difficulties endure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There have been practical difficulties.

The Guardian

There are practical difficulties, too.

The Guardian

There are also big practical difficulties.

The Economist

Then there are the practical difficulties.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also throws up practical difficulties.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are other practical difficulties as well.

The New York Times

The practical difficulties are enormous.

Fusion Engineering and Design

I think it's unlikely given the practical difficulties".

The Guardian

Others disagreed that it would be easy, citing practical difficulties.

The New York Times

I suspect my time is better spent assessing practical difficulties.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a project or plan, use "practical difficulties" to address real-world problems that affect its execution. This term shows you're aware of the concrete challenges involved.

Common error

Don't use "practical difficulties" when you mean theoretical or conceptual problems. "Practical difficulties" refers to tangible issues that impede progress, not abstract concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical difficulties" primarily functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to denote tangible obstacles or challenges encountered in real-world situations. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "practical difficulties" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to identify tangible, real-world obstacles. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is found across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, focus on concrete problems rather than abstract concerns. Consider alternatives like "real-world challenges" or "implementation obstacles" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real-world challenges

Focuses on the challenging aspect, emphasizing the realistic nature of the problem.

implementation obstacles

Emphasizes the difficulties in putting a plan or idea into action.

logistical hurdles

Highlights the organizational or coordination aspects of the difficulties.

on-the-ground problems

Stresses the practical issues that arise in a specific location or situation.

technical issues

Specifically refers to problems related to technology or technical processes.

workability concerns

Highlights doubts or uncertainties about whether something can be successfully implemented.

feasibility questions

Raises questions about whether something is possible or practical to achieve.

down-to-earth complications

Emphasizes that complications are mundane and commonplace.

nuts-and-bolts issues

Emphasizes basic and fundamental aspects of the issues.

nuts and bolts obstacles

Emphasizes basic and fundamental aspects of the obstacles.

FAQs

How do I use "practical difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "practical difficulties" to describe obstacles encountered in real-world situations. For example, "We faced several "practical difficulties" during the construction phase".

What are some alternatives to "practical difficulties"?

Alternatives include "real-world challenges", "logistical hurdles", or "implementation obstacles" depending on the specific context.

Is "practical difficulties" grammatically correct?

Yes, "practical difficulties" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to refer to problems encountered in real-world situations.

What's the difference between "practical difficulties" and "theoretical challenges"?

"Practical difficulties" refer to tangible, real-world obstacles, while "theoretical challenges" are abstract or conceptual problems. They are not interchangeable.