raise difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

'raise difficulty' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate an increase in the difficulty of a task, problem, or activity. For example, "The new regulations will raise the difficulty of completing our project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This violated the original motivation to highlight SNPs with strong functional implications and thus might raise difficulty in interpreting the results.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Considering the available technologies, ORC based CHP solutions are recognized as one of the simplest and less likely to raise difficulties to retrofit the current residential heating systems.

Energy Procedia

In a 1968 essay, Larry McMurtry wrote that Texas was divided but "not yet fragmented to a degree that would raise difficulties for the novelist".

The New York Times

However, in practice, multi-frequency intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and pseudo IMFs are likely generated and lead to grossly erroneous or even completely meaningless instantaneous frequencies, which raise difficulties in interpreting signal features by the HHT spectrum.

Measurement

Even the simplest tasks when considering relative humidity can raise difficulties.

Heritage Science

Degradation can raise difficulties if a country has a declining deforestation rate but is simultaneously increasing forest degradation.

Carbon Balance and Management

It has to be mentioned that self-managed nodes can raise difficulties for persons without technological knowledge.

Journal of Cloud Computing

First, the use of historical controls may raise difficulties to ensure that obtained differences in outcome are related to the studied treatment.

Annals of Intensive Care

This optimal time window remains smaller than the duration for which neglecting the third time derivative would raise difficulties (see Fig. 1).

Earth, Planets and Space

It is instructive that these aspects of pitch experience do raise difficulties for an objective physical account of pitch that are familiar from the case of color.

SEP

This will raise difficulties, as consumers differ between countries (Bech-Larsen and Grunert, 2003).

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise difficulty", consider the context. Ensure that increasing the difficulty is a deliberate action and aligns with the intended outcome. For example, in game design, you might "raise difficulty" to challenge players.

Common error

Avoid using "raise difficulty" when simply describing a situation that is already difficult. "Raise difficulty" implies an active increase, not a passive state. Instead of saying "The project raises difficulty", say "The project presents difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise difficulty" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of increasing the level of challenge or complexity associated with a task, situation, or problem. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raise difficulty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the act of increasing the level of challenge. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its suitability for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic content. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use the phrase intentionally, indicating a deliberate effort to make something more challenging, rather than simply describing a difficult situation. Alternatives like "increase the challenge" or "heighten the complexity" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase the challenge

Changes "difficulty" to "challenge", focusing on the aspect of competition or overcoming obstacles.

heighten the complexity

Replaces "difficulty" with "complexity", emphasizing the intricate and complicated nature of something.

escalate the problem

Shifts the focus to a problem, implying an increase in its severity or scope, rather than a general difficulty.

amplify the intricacy

Similar to heightening complexity but uses more formal and descriptive language.

aggravate the situation

Indicates making a situation worse, which can indirectly increase difficulty.

exacerbate the complication

Uses stronger verbs to suggest making an existing complication even more pronounced.

intensify the struggle

Highlights the effort and opposition involved, rather than the inherent difficulty.

magnify the adversity

Emphasizes the hardship and misfortune associated with a situation.

compound the obstacles

Suggests adding more obstacles, thus making something more difficult.

add to the trials

Focuses on adding more tests or hardships to a series of challenges.

FAQs

What does it mean to "raise difficulty" in a task?

To "raise difficulty" means to intentionally increase the level of challenge involved in a task, game, or situation. This can be done by adding more complex steps, reducing available resources, or introducing new obstacles.

How can I "increase difficulty" without making something impossible?

Focus on incremental adjustments. Instead of drastically "raising the stakes", make smaller changes that challenge the individual or team without overwhelming them. Provide adequate support and resources to facilitate adaptation.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "raise difficulty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "increase the challenge", "heighten the complexity", or "escalate the problem". Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended nuance.

Is it always a good idea to "raise difficulty"?

Not necessarily. It depends on the goal and the context. If the goal is to encourage growth and learning, then a moderate increase in difficulty can be beneficial. However, if the goal is simply to complete a task efficiently, then "avoiding difficulty" may be more appropriate.