seeking out difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking out difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of intentionally looking for challenges or obstacles, often in the context of personal growth or problem-solving. Example: "In her quest for self-improvement, she found herself seeking out difficulties that would push her beyond her comfort zone."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another problem with identifying the world's rarest animals is the difficulty often associated with seeking out the rarest of the rare.

BBC

They're worth seeking out.

The New Yorker

Seeking Out Android.

Forbes

Also see: Seeking Out Android.

Forbes

Seeking out extreme thrills.

WikiHow

If you are home educating a child with learning difficulties, seek out others who are also homeschooling special-needs children through groups such as Learning Abled Kids or the National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network.

WikiHow

Jesus went out of his way to seek out those who had difficulty reaching him.

Los Angeles Times

Just as Tom Brown is described as constitutionally inclined to help anyone in difficulties, so Tom Hughes sought out the underdog with a view to bossing him into spiritual and physical good health.

The Guardian - Books

They get pleasure in overcoming difficulties and discomforts, and they seek out the people.

The New York Times

Mr Hill actively seeks out such juxtapositions.

The Economist

Usually the male seeks out the female.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seeking out difficulties", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose behind it, such as personal growth, problem-solving or resilience-building. Be aware that actively "seeking out difficulties" is not always the best strategy; sometimes, avoiding unnecessary obstacles is more prudent.

Common error

Avoid framing "seeking out difficulties" as inherently positive without considering the potential negative consequences. Overly pursuing challenges without proper planning or support can lead to unnecessary stress, burnout or failure. Before actively seeking obstacles, assess the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking out difficulties" functions as a verb phrase indicating an active and intentional effort to find or create challenging situations. It suggests a deliberate choice to confront obstacles rather than avoid them. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seeking out difficulties" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of intentionally pursuing challenges. Although Ludwig AI confirms its validity, there's a noticeable lack of real-world examples which results in this phrase being rarely used in common contexts. Alternatives such as "embracing challenges" or "pursuing challenges" may offer a more positive connotation. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and potential implications, ensuring that the pursuit of difficulties aligns with a clear purpose and potential benefits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embracing challenges

This alternative conveys a more positive and proactive approach to facing difficulties, focusing on acceptance and growth.

pursuing challenges

This suggests a deliberate and goal-oriented approach to finding and engaging with difficult tasks or situations.

confronting obstacles intentionally

This phrase emphasizes the deliberate and planned nature of facing obstacles, suggesting a strategic approach.

volunteering for tough tasks

This implies offering oneself for tasks that are known to be difficult, suggesting a willingness to take on challenges.

taking on demanding roles

This refers to assuming responsibilities that are known to be challenging or require significant effort.

welcoming demanding tasks

This indicates an open and receptive attitude toward tasks that require significant effort or are challenging.

gravitating towards challenges

This suggests a natural inclination or tendency to move towards difficult situations or tasks.

attracting challenging situations

This implies that difficult situations are drawn to someone, often due to their skills or reputation.

being drawn to hardships

This phrase depicts an inclination towards difficult or adverse conditions, often implying a resilient character.

choosing the harder path

This suggests opting for a course of action that is more difficult or demanding than alternative options.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "seeking out difficulties" to sound more positive?

Consider using alternatives like "embracing challenges", "pursuing challenges", or "welcoming demanding tasks" to convey a more optimistic approach to facing obstacles.

Is "seeking out difficulties" always a good strategy?

No, it's not always advisable. Sometimes, avoiding unnecessary obstacles is more practical. Actively "seeking out difficulties" should be a conscious choice based on potential benefits like personal growth or skill development.

What is the difference between "seeking out difficulties" and "facing difficulties"?

"Seeking out difficulties" implies actively searching for challenging situations, while "facing difficulties" suggests dealing with problems that arise naturally. One is proactive, and the other is reactive.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "seeking out difficulties"?

Use "seeking out difficulties" when you want to emphasize the intentional and deliberate nature of confronting challenges, often for the purpose of learning or improvement.