present difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"present difficulty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficulty that you are currently facing. For example, "I am having present difficulty managing my time effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Instead what we need to resolve the present difficulty is a subtle shift in perspective.

The New York Times - Magazine

What really preys on her mind, though, is not her present difficulty but her future.

The Guardian

Bryan has three advantages: a good legal team; money; and the still present difficulty of obtaining a rape conviction.

The New Yorker

However, its present difficulty in establishing successful relationship with both the United States and China is worrying.

Yale University

He says it would be "a sin" not to use the present difficulty to push for write-downs.

The Economist

Electrical design instead of mechanical design is adopted to overcome the present difficulty in machining a micro stepper motor.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The Merlin disclosures also present difficulties.

The Guardian - Business

"It would supply much that you need under present difficulties".

The New York Times

And I say that notwithstanding the present difficulties with ExtraVertical".

The New York Times

The complexities of bird reproduction present difficulties to genome engineers.

The Guardian - Business

I am sure the present difficulties will come right.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "present difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates the difficulty is happening now. Avoid using it for hypothetical or future difficulties.

Common error

Avoid using "present difficulty" to describe chronic or long-term problems. Use it specifically for challenges that are currently being experienced. For persistent issues, consider phrases like "ongoing challenges" or "long-standing problems".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "present difficulty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It identifies a problematic situation or obstacle that exists in the current time frame. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "present difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a problem or challenge currently being experienced. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most often in news and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. For alternatives, consider phrases like "current challenge" or "existing problem" to convey similar meanings. Remember to use "present difficulty" specifically for current issues and avoid using it for long-term or future problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current challenge

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge", suggesting a more active and potentially surmountable obstacle.

existing problem

Focuses on the problematic nature of the situation rather than just the difficulty.

immediate obstacle

Emphasizes the immediacy and obstructive nature of the difficulty.

pressing issue

Highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the difficulty.

ongoing struggle

Suggests a continuous and persistent difficulty.

contemporary hardship

Emphasizes the current and difficult nature of the situation.

present-day complication

Replaces "difficulty" with "complication", implying a more complex problem.

current predicament

Indicates a difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation.

prevailing adversity

Highlights the challenging and unfavorable circumstances.

existing snag

Uses a more informal term, "snag", for a minor difficulty or obstacle.

FAQs

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

You can use "present difficulty" to describe a challenge or problem you are currently facing. For example, "The company is experiencing a "present difficulty" in securing funding."

What are some alternatives to "present difficulty"?

Alternatives to "present difficulty" include "current challenge", "existing problem", or "immediate obstacle". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "current difficulty" or "present difficulty"?

"Current difficulty" and "present difficulty" are largely interchangeable. "Current" may imply a slightly longer duration, while "present" emphasizes the immediacy of the difficulty. Choose the word that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "present difficulty" and "future difficulty"?

"Present difficulty" refers to a problem that is happening now. "Future difficulty" refers to a problem that is anticipated to happen later. Using "present difficulty" when you mean a potential future issue would be inaccurate.