run into difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run into difficulties" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which one encounters problems or obstacles in a task or goal. Example: After trying to finish the project on time, my team and I ran into difficulties due to a lack of resources.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then you run into difficulties," he said.

The New York Times

It's not the first time Dior has run into difficulties.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has run into difficulties, of which more later.

The Guardian

Instead they are expected to call on their parents for help if they run into difficulties.

The Economist

Self-employed buyers who have the cash for a down payment may still run into difficulties.

The New York Times

Alas, bpoplive – for thus it is branded – has run into difficulties on the line-up front.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Another Israeli gesture meant to strengthen Mr. Abbas has run into difficulties.

The New York Times

Attempts to introduce mosquitoes in the US have also run into difficulties.

The Guardian

Companies that have their EU operations headquartered in London could run into difficulties if the UK were to split.

Independent

The retreat is understood to have run into difficulties over its treatment of people with psychiatric problems.

Independent

He said he could not understand why the men had run into difficulties as the sea had appeared calm.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run into difficulties", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the problems. Providing specific details enhances clarity and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "run into difficulties" without specifying the source of the problems. Overly general statements can leave the reader unclear about the actual challenges faced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run into difficulties" functions as a verb phrase, often serving as the predicate of a sentence. It indicates the experience of encountering problems or obstacles, and Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run into difficulties" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe encountering problems or obstacles. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted, making it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. The phrase is particularly frequent in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" settings. While there are several alternative phrases, such as "encounter problems" or "face challenges", "run into difficulties" often implies an unexpected or surprising element. When using the phrase, it's best to specify the cause of the difficulties to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter problems

Focuses on the act of facing problems, with less emphasis on the unexpected nature.

face challenges

Highlights the presence of demanding tasks or situations that require effort to overcome.

experience setbacks

Emphasizes temporary delays or reversals in progress.

meet with obstacles

Suggests encountering physical or metaphorical barriers.

stumble upon issues

Implies accidentally discovering problems or complications.

come up against barriers

Focuses on confronting obstacles that impede progress.

find oneself in trouble

Highlights the personal involvement and potentially negative consequences of the situation.

land in hot water

Suggests ending up in a problematic situation that is difficult to get out of.

be fraught with problems

Focuses on a situation that is characterized by many difficulties or issues.

get bogged down

Emphasizes being slowed down or stuck due to complexities or problems.

FAQs

How can I use "run into difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "run into difficulties" to describe situations where problems or obstacles are encountered. For example, "The project "ran into difficulties" due to unexpected budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "run into difficulties"?

Some alternatives include "encounter problems", "face challenges", or "experience setbacks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "run into difficulties" formal or informal?

"Run into difficulties" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles. It is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and academic papers.

What's the difference between "run into difficulties" and "encounter problems"?

While both phrases are similar, "run into difficulties" often implies an element of surprise or unexpectedness, whereas "encounter problems" simply indicates that problems were faced without necessarily being unexpected.