ran into a difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ran into a difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an unexpected problem or obstacle encountered while trying to achieve something. Example: "While working on the project, I ran into a difficulty that delayed our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At this point, my piece runs into a difficulty.

The Guardian - Opinion

In describing the field of philosophy, and in particular the sub-field of philosophy of education, one quickly runs into a difficulty not found to anything like the same degree in other disciplines.

SEP

I say this repeatedly to my clients as well, when we run into a difficulty.

Huffington Post

Earlier this year, when Hill was trying to open a new abortion clinic in Jackson, Mississippi, she ran into a few difficulties.

The New Yorker

Getting in was easy enough, but after that I ran into a few difficulties.

Vice

But it immediately ran into a thicket of operational difficulties as well as tenacious American competition from United Parcel Service and FedEx.

The New York Times

Patio seems to have run into a category difficulty: when, for example, is a patio a terrace?

Independent

Valence bond theory runs into an apparent difficulty with CH4.

Encyclopedia Britannica

ROME — Rescue teams on Friday were searching the waters off a southern Italian islet for survivors of a boat loaded with migrants that apparently ran into difficulties a day earlier while crossing from Africa.

The New York Times

The first spacewalk by Colonel Wheelock and Dr. Caldwell Dyson, on Aug. 7, ran into some difficulty with a balky ammonia line.

The New York Times - Science

When Varig Airlines of Brazil ran into difficulties a few years ago, he said, G.E. took back almost 40 planes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Use "ran into a difficulty" when you want to express that the problem was unexpected and perhaps occurred while in the process of doing something else. For instance, "While implementing the new software, we ran into a difficulty with compatibility".

Common error

While "ran into a difficulty" is acceptable, it may sound slightly informal in certain formal settings. For professional or academic writing, consider alternatives like "encountered a problem" or "faced a challenge" to maintain a more serious and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ran into a difficulty" functions as a verb phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a clause. It indicates that someone or something encountered an obstacle or problem. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ran into a difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used idiom to describe encountering an unexpected problem or obstacle. Ludwig AI validates its proper use in written English. While versatile, its neutrality makes it suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional or academic settings. Key alternatives include "encountered a problem" and "faced a challenge". Understanding its nuances and context-specific alternatives can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountered a problem

Focuses on the act of meeting a problem, slightly more formal.

faced a challenge

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation, implying a need for effort to overcome it.

experienced a setback

Highlights the negative impact on progress, suggesting a temporary delay.

met with obstacles

Stresses the presence of barriers, often implying external impediments.

had complications

Suggests an added layer of complexity, focusing on intricate issues arising.

stumbled upon an issue

Implies an element of chance or unexpectedness in encountering the problem.

grappled with a snag

Highlights a sudden, unexpected impediment, often implying a quick resolution is needed.

came across a hitch

Focuses on a temporary interruption or minor obstacle, implying a slight delay.

found oneself in a bind

Describes a restrictive or challenging situation, suggesting limited options.

was beset by trouble

Implies being persistently affected by problems, often suggesting a period of difficulty.

FAQs

What does "ran into a difficulty" mean?

The phrase "ran into a difficulty" means that someone encountered an unexpected problem or obstacle while trying to achieve something.

How can I use "ran into a difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to describe encountering a problem during a process. For example: "While working on the project, I ran into a difficulty that delayed our progress."

What can I say instead of "ran into a difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "encountered a problem", "faced a challenge", or "experienced a setback" depending on the context.

Is "run into a difficulty" or "ran into a difficulty" correct?

"Ran into a difficulty" is the past tense form, used when the difficulty has already occurred. "Run into a difficulty" is the present tense form, used for hypothetical situations or general statements.