principal difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most significant challenge in a given context. Example: "The principal difficulty in completing the project was coordinating the schedules of all team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Even so, the principal difficulty lay in keeping this contest taut.

The Guardian - Sport

The principal difficulty at present is that there are no official rules.

The New Yorker

The principal difficulty has been the assembling of material on which to base such studies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The principal difficulty with the matchlock mechanism was the need to keep a length of match constantly smoldering.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My principal difficulty, though, was the casting of Stephen Fry as the meant-to-be endearingly eccentric art professor and museum curator.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I had not dreamed up the idea that my principal difficulty with Murdoch was my refusal to turn the paper into an organ of Thatcherism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

There are two principal difficulties, says Professor Michael B. Gerrard, Director of the Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School: "First, an extraordinarily large number of different areas of law are involved.

The New York Times

For both Mr. Piesiewicz and Mr. Tykwer, the principal difficulties of the film involved getting the audience to sympathize with Ms. Blanchett's character, even after her horrible crimes, and capturing the languorous eeriness sought by Mr. Piesiewicz and Kieslowski.

The New York Times

There are two principal difficulties in the accurate representation of these effects in discrete models.

Journal of Computational Physics

Two principal difficulties immediately arise in the context of any attempt to form a definition.

SEP

However, application of the traditional modeling paradigm, based on systems of specific equations, faces some principal difficulties in these systems.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal difficulty", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being attempted or achieved. This clarifies the significance of the difficulty being highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "principal difficulty" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the challenge genuinely impedes progress or success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal difficulty" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and describes the main problem or challenge in a specific situation. Ludwig examples show it used to pinpoint the most significant hurdle.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the main challenge or problem in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's deemed correct for use in written English. With a common frequency, it appears across diverse fields, most notably science, news media, and encyclopedias. When writing, consider tailoring the phrase for formal or informal situations, substituting it with options like "main problem" or "major challenge" based on the context and the severity of the problem. Ludwig examples suggest avoiding this phrase for minor issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main problem

This alternative is a more common and slightly less formal way to express the central issue.

core problem

This alternative emphasizes the essential or most important aspect of the problem.

major challenge

This alternative emphasizes the demanding nature of the difficulty.

primary obstacle

This alternative highlights the hindering aspect of the difficulty.

basic issue

This alternative highlights the foundational nature of the difficulty.

key issue

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the core concern.

chief concern

This alternative emphasizes the worrying aspect of the difficulty.

central hurdle

This alternative uses a metaphorical term to represent a significant obstacle to overcome.

overriding problem

This alternative stresses that the difficulty is more important than any other.

fundamental impediment

This alternative is more formal and stresses the hindering nature of the difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "principal difficulty" to highlight the main challenge within a particular context. For example: "The "principal difficulty" in the experiment was maintaining a stable temperature."

What are some alternatives to "principal difficulty"?

Alternatives include "main problem", "major challenge", or "primary obstacle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "principal difficulty" formal or informal?

"Principal difficulty" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While not overly technical, it conveys a sense of importance and is appropriate for academic, professional, and news-related writing.

What's the difference between "principal difficulty" and "minor difficulty"?

"Principal difficulty" refers to the main or most significant challenge, while "minor difficulty" refers to a less important or less impactful problem. The choice between them depends on the severity and impact of the issue being discussed.