several hitches

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several hitches" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe multiple problems or obstacles encountered in a process or situation. Example: "We encountered several hitches during the project, which delayed our timeline significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Several hitches almost kept New York Express at home. 2 of the dancers were on parole & denied visas.

The New Yorker

You're offered the chance to compete for a job with the world's most famous designer, but there's a hitch, in fact there are several hitches.

The New York Times

I don't know, arm-wrestling or something," and then somebody in Creative said, "No, thumb wrestling... .. Tells about the contest, which went off with several hitches.

The New Yorker

After several hitches, an upgrade due in April will deliver 30 frames per second, or television-quality pictures, at a retail price of $9,000.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The use of several implements hitched in series influences the steerability, and may limit the minimum turning radius.

Biosystems Engineering

For a plan built on speed, maneuver and decisive force coming from several directions, any hitch that that slowed down the attack could cause serious problems.

The New York Times

It was the second day of NATO's weapons collection operation and, without a hitch, several hundred more weapons, including three ground-to-air missiles, were consigned for destruction.

The New York Times

In the description, lfernandes writes that he and his wife got hitched several years back but couldn't afford a wedding at the time.

Huffington Post

To get a glimpse of this hovering world, Nenes and his colleagues hitched several rides on a NASA aircraft as onboard instruments sampled the air before, during and after hurricanes Earl and Karl in 2010.

Los Angeles Times

Guests included the rapper and actor Kid Cudi, the young British singer Neon Hitch and several models from his agency, among them Milly Simmonds, one of the faces of the new Burberry campaign.

The New York Times

In the otherwise deserted parking lot of North County Fair, an Escondido shopping mall, several horses stood about, hitched to trailers, eating feed and leaving their mark on the pavement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing project progress, use "several hitches" to acknowledge minor difficulties without exaggerating the severity of the problems. It suggests manageable issues rather than catastrophic failures.

Common error

While "several hitches" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or business communications. Opt for more professional alternatives like "multiple challenges" or "various complications" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several hitches" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe the presence of multiple problems or minor obstacles. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to describe minor setbacks in various processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several hitches" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe multiple minor problems or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears most commonly in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register, and is suitable for acknowledging difficulties without overstating the severity. While alternatives like "multiple setbacks" or "various difficulties" exist, "several hitches" offers a concise way to address minor issues. Though its frequency is classified as "Uncommon", it remains a useful phrase in appropriate settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple setbacks

This alternative replaces "hitches" with "setbacks", emphasizing the hindering nature of the problems.

various difficulties

Using "difficulties" instead of "hitches" provides a more general term for problems encountered.

numerous obstacles

Substituting "hitches" with "obstacles" highlights the barriers encountered during a process.

a series of snags

This alternative uses "snags" to describe minor unexpected problems or difficulties.

several complications

Replacing "hitches" with "complications" emphasizes the intricate and complex nature of the problems.

a number of issues

This offers a more generic substitute, indicating a range of problems without specifying their exact nature.

multiple glitches

Using "glitches" suggests minor malfunctions or errors that disrupt the process.

various impediments

This alternative uses a more formal term, "impediments", to denote obstacles or hindrances.

a few stumbling blocks

This alternative uses a metaphor, "stumbling blocks", to describe challenges that impede progress.

certain setbacks

This alternative uses the word "certain" to emphasize specific and identified problems that hindered progress.

FAQs

What does "several hitches" mean?

The phrase "several hitches" refers to multiple minor problems or obstacles that cause temporary delays or difficulties in a process or plan.

What are some alternatives to saying "several hitches"?

You can use alternatives like "multiple setbacks", "various difficulties", or "numerous obstacles" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "several hitches" in formal writing?

While "several hitches" is understandable, it's generally better to use more formal language in professional settings. Consider alternatives like "various complications" or "a number of issues" instead.

How can I use "several hitches" in a sentence?

You might say, "We encountered several hitches during the project's implementation, but we managed to overcome them" or "Despite several hitches, the event was ultimately a success".