run into difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"run into difficulty" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to encounter problems or challenges. You can use it when describing a difficult situation or when discussing a problem that you have encountered. Example: The company ran into difficulty when they realized they had not budgeted enough money for the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But here again we run into difficulty.

The Economist

Unfortunately, I have run into difficulty importing NEURON into Python.

Yale University

If you run into difficulty with the process please write [email protected]

Harvard University

The company follows a series of other American mortgage providers which have run into difficulty.

The Guardian - Business

Rare but badly worn, it might have run into difficulty in any other context.

The New York Times - Arts

Actuaries often run into difficulty because they can deliver an unwelcome analysis that carries great weight.

The New York Times

These anchors are devised in prosperous times but run into difficulty during recessions.

The Economist

Consequently, several former prosecutors said, Mr. Christie could run into difficulty making a criminal case.

The New York Times

Even efforts to fix the problems are likely to run into difficulty.

The New York Times

Several have run into difficulty, and four have now been closed or re-established.

The Guardian

It did not take long, however, for the case to run into difficulty.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run into difficulty" to describe unexpected problems or challenges encountered during a process or project. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "run into difficulty" is versatile, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "encounter problems" or "face challenges" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run into difficulty" functions as a verb phrase indicating the experience of encountering problems or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use in English, highlighting its role in describing problematic situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run into difficulty" is a common and grammatically sound way to express encountering problems or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, ranging from academia and news media to formal business settings. The phrase's neutral tone makes it appropriate for diverse audiences. Remember to use it to describe unforeseen obstacles, and consider alternatives like "encounter problems" or "face challenges" to avoid repetition. By understanding its meaning, context, and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "run into difficulty" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter problems

Focuses more directly on the act of meeting or facing issues.

face challenges

Emphasizes the presence of obstacles that require effort to overcome.

experience setbacks

Highlights temporary impediments that delay progress.

meet with obstacles

Suggests a more passive encounter with hindering elements.

find oneself in a bind

Implies a difficult situation that restricts freedom of action.

get into a predicament

Describes becoming involved in a troublesome or embarrassing situation.

be up against it

Indicates facing significant difficulties or opposition.

be in hot water

Suggests being in trouble or disgrace.

hit a snag

Points to a small unexpected problem or difficulty.

come up against a brick wall

Emphasizes encountering an insurmountable obstacle.

FAQs

What does "run into difficulty" mean?

"Run into difficulty" means to encounter problems or challenges, often unexpectedly, while trying to achieve something.

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

You might say, "The project "ran into difficulty" when funding was cut" or "Many students "run into difficulty" with calculus".

What are some alternatives to "run into difficulty"?

You can use alternatives such as "encounter problems", "face challenges", or "experience setbacks depending on the context".

Is it better to say "run into difficulty" or "have difficulty"?

"Run into difficulty" implies an unexpected problem, while "have difficulty" suggests a general struggle. For example, "They "ran into difficulty" securing permits" suggests an unforeseen issue, whereas "They "had difficulty" understanding the concept" implies a persistent challenge.