serious difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

'serious difficulty' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a difficult situation or task. For example, "The researchers had to overcome serious difficulty to complete the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It must now be in serious difficulty".

The Guardian

They had thought that he was in serious difficulty.

The New Yorker

"The king is in serious difficulty," Mr. Bloomfield said.

The New York Times

By then, however, the CCP was in serious difficulty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is, however, another and still more serious difficulty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said: "Many of the people we are seeing are in serious, serious difficulty".

The Guardian - Money

The emergency systems will still be available for students in serious difficulty".

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the Bush camp's plans for a conflict-free convention chugged along without serious difficulty.

The New York Times

A more frequent and serious difficulty has to do with tone.

The Guardian - Books

ABOUT a week ago, I was swimming in my pool when I had serious difficulty breathing.

The New York Times

The decision largely left it to the states to determine what constitutes "serious difficulty".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a problem, use "serious difficulty" to emphasize its significance and potential impact. This phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "serious difficulty" for minor inconveniences or trivial issues. Reserve this phrase for situations with significant consequences to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious difficulty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing challenging situations or problems. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serious difficulty" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a significant problem or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "grave problem" or "significant challenge" exist, "serious difficulty" is a reliable choice for formal and neutral communication. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations with noteworthy implications to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave problem

Replaces "difficulty" with a more intense word for a problem.

significant challenge

Substitutes "difficulty" with "challenge", framing it as an obstacle to overcome.

major setback

Implies a hindrance or delay due to the difficulty.

critical issue

Highlights the importance and urgency of the difficulty.

severe complication

Emphasizes the complex and problematic nature of the difficulty.

extreme adversity

Conveys a sense of hardship and misfortune associated with the difficulty.

tough predicament

Describes the difficulty as a challenging and uncertain situation.

substantial hurdle

Presents the difficulty as an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

profound struggle

Highlights the effort and resistance involved in dealing with the difficulty.

intense hardship

Focuses on the suffering and privation caused by the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "serious difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "serious difficulty" to describe challenging situations. For example: "The company faced "serious difficulty" when the pandemic started."

What are some alternatives to "serious difficulty"?

Some alternatives include "grave problem", "significant challenge", or "major setback", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "serious difficulty" in informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "serious difficulty" is more suitable for formal or neutral contexts. In informal conversations, simpler phrases like "big problem" or "tough time" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "serious difficulty" and "minor inconvenience"?

"Serious difficulty" implies a significant problem with potential consequences, while "minor inconvenience" refers to a small, temporary disruption. Use "serious difficulty" when the situation warrants a more grave description.