series of difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "series of difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence of challenges or obstacles encountered in a particular situation. Example: "The project faced a series of difficulties that delayed its completion and increased costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Manufacturers point to a series of difficulties and growing expenses.

The New York Times

However, wide dissemination of the principles of emergency care poses a series of difficulties.

Resuscitation

The MPs' report suggested the Met was struggling to cope with the role after a series of "difficulties".

The Guardian

BEIJING — China's premier delivered on Friday the clearest acknowledgment yet from a top Chinese official that the country's economy is slowing and faces a series of difficulties.

The New York Times

Times of trouble Last summer's prosecution is only the latest in a series of difficulties the poet and novelist has had with the Jordanian censor.

The Guardian - Books

It was the latest in a series of difficulties for the team, the most visible of which was the Jan . 12car crash that killed guard Bobby Phills.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Three years ago, after a series of financial difficulties, they refinanced for $185,000 for reasons they no longer understand.

The New York Times

The arrest was the latest in a series of legal difficulties for Mr. Messier, who now runs a boutique investment bank in New York.

The New York Times

Following a series of financial difficulties, however, Sun became vulnerable and is now the subject of a takeover bid by Oracle, one of the world's most powerful software companies.

The Guardian - Tech

People are isolated, they're without networks because they're not here at weekends, and they're having to cope, alone, with a series of emotional difficulties.' She also worries about members who lose their seats.

The Guardian

One of his Divisadero Street neighbors has left two large apartments on the second and third floors of her building vacant for more than a decade, after a series of tenant difficulties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "series of difficulties", ensure the context clearly outlines the specific challenges encountered. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "series of difficulties" as a generic placeholder for problems. Be specific about the nature of the difficulties to provide more meaningful information. Instead of saying "The project faced a series of difficulties", specify what those difficulties were, such as "The project faced a series of "technical difficulties", "budgetary constraints" and "scheduling conflicts"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "series of difficulties" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing a set of problems or challenges. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples where the phrase is used in various grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "series of difficulties" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, employed to describe a sequence of challenges or obstacles. As Ludwig AI points out, it is appropriate for diverse scenarios, though being specific enhances clarity. While categorized as 'Uncommon' in frequency, its use is validated by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily within News & Media, Science, and Business contexts. To avoid vagueness, try to replace it with more descriptive phrases that directly name or categorize the challenges encountered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succession of challenges

Substitutes "difficulties" with "challenges", presenting a more positive framing.

chain of obstacles

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the difficulties, presenting them as barriers.

string of hardships

Replaces "difficulties" with a stronger term, emphasizing the severity of the problems.

cycle of problems

Implies the problems are recurring or repetitive in nature.

wave of troubles

Suggests that difficulties are coming in a large number or at the same time.

cluster of setbacks

Uses "setbacks" to highlight the hindering nature of the problems encountered.

patch of struggles

This implies a period of time filled with significant effort and challenge.

parade of misfortunes

Employs "misfortunes" to accentuate the negative and unlucky aspect of the situation.

episode of adversity

Highlights a specific instance or event marked by hardship and difficulty.

litany of woes

Highlights a long list of sorrowful events.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "series of difficulties"?

You can use alternatives like "string of hardships", "succession of challenges", or "cluster of setbacks" depending on the context.

How do I use "series of difficulties" in a sentence?

The phrase "series of difficulties" is used to describe a sequence of challenging or problematic events. For example, "The company experienced a series of difficulties during the economic downturn."

Is "series of difficulties" formal or informal?

The phrase "series of difficulties" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it appropriate for various types of communication.

What's the difference between "series of difficulties" and "minor inconveniences"?

"Series of difficulties" implies significant challenges that impede progress, while "minor inconveniences" suggests trivial or insignificant issues that cause slight annoyance but do not substantially hinder progress.