serious difficulties with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious difficulties with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing significant challenges or problems related to a specific issue or situation. Example: "The team is facing serious difficulties with the new software implementation, which has delayed the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Darren Byrne in Ireland posted on Twitter: #Boeing experiencing serious difficulties with the new 787.

The New York Times

That causes few serious difficulties with immigration (the Schengen agreement) or defence (on which Britain has taken a lead).

The Economist

There are thus serious difficulties with explanation by laws, by intentions, or by appeal to providence or teleology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Franco met these serious difficulties with success, shifting the balance of power among his supporters from the Falange to Catholics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A big client, Enron, looked as if it was going to have some serious difficulties with its third-quarter report, the partner said.

The New York Times

The speaker, along with most party leaders, understands his party's serious difficulties with Hispanic voters and fears making matters worse by blocking an overhaul.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But with the United States we had a serious difficulty with regard to night raids and civilian casualties, which has now improved after much work.

The Guardian

Archer had gotten itself into serious difficulty with the government in 1996, paying a $100 million fine for the price-fixing of food and feed additives.

The New York Times

You add that it told you that it had attempted repeatedly to resolve the problem, but has had serious difficulty with this.

Independent

"Our economy is faced with a serious difficulty, with prices rising and the economy gradually slowing," Mr. Lee said in a speech intended to observe the anniversary of the earlier pro-democracy protests.

The New York Times

Inflation, interest rates and unemployment are low, so the chances of people running into serious difficulty with their mortgages are also lower than they were then.If these two much-talked-of threats are not as serious as is generally supposed, where's the problem?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious difficulties with", ensure that the specific area or issue causing the difficulties is clearly identified to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "serious difficulties with" when the problem is minor or easily resolved. Using stronger language for minor issues can dilute the impact of the phrase when describing genuinely significant challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious difficulties with" functions as a descriptive phrase, highlighting the presence of significant problems or challenges concerning a particular subject. This is supported by Ludwig's examples that showcases its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serious difficulties with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote significant problems or challenges related to a specific subject. Ludwig's examples indicate its prevalence in various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While it is suitable for both professional and general communication, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "major problems with" or "significant issues with" to add variety to your writing. Avoid overstating the severity of issues by reserving this phrase for genuinely significant challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major problems with

Replaces "difficulties" with "problems" maintaining a similar level of severity.

significant issues with

Substitutes "difficulties" with "issues", offering a slightly less intense connotation.

grave concerns about

Replaces "difficulties with" with "concerns about", shifting the focus to apprehension.

critical challenges regarding

Uses "challenges" instead of "difficulties" and "regarding" instead of "with", intensifying the sense of obstacle.

severe troubles in

Employs "troubles" in place of "difficulties" and "in" instead of "with", connoting considerable adversity.

substantial complications involving

Replaces "difficulties" with "complications" and "with" with "involving", highlighting intricacy.

considerable setbacks concerning

Substitutes "difficulties" with "setbacks" and "with" with "concerning", emphasizing impediment to progress.

formidable obstacles to

Uses "obstacles" instead of "difficulties" and "to" instead of "with", suggesting imposing barriers.

acute predicaments relating to

Replaces "difficulties" with "predicaments" and "with" with "relating to", highlighting a trying situation.

profound adversities impacting

Substitutes "difficulties" with "adversities" and "with" with "impacting", indicating deep-seated hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "serious difficulties with" in a sentence?

Use "serious difficulties with" to describe significant challenges or problems related to a specific issue. For instance, "The company is experiencing "serious difficulties with" its supply chain."

What are some alternatives to "serious difficulties with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "major problems with", "significant issues with", or "grave concerns about", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "serious difficulties with" and "minor problems with"?

"Serious difficulties with" indicates a significant and potentially impactful issue, while "minor problems with" suggests less critical and easily manageable issues. The choice depends on the severity of the situation.

When is it appropriate to use "serious difficulties with" in professional writing?

Use "serious difficulties with" in professional writing when accurately conveying the presence of substantial challenges that require attention and resolution. Overuse can diminish its impact, so reserve it for genuinely significant issues.