severe difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing significant challenges or obstacles. Example: "The team faced severe difficulty in meeting the project deadline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And we know too that the public finances remain in severe difficulty.

The Guardian

The sincerity is irreproachable and the craftsmanship questionable only in the severe difficulty of some choral parts.

The New York Times - Arts

He needs support to stand, the doctor said, and has severe difficulty speaking or understanding what is said to him.

The New York Times

It involves common risk-management and promises of support in time of severe difficulty.

The Economist

HOW many people in the United States have severe difficulty seeing?

The New York Times

RUSSIA'S POLICY IN CENTRAL ASIA 7. (C) Guoping said that Russia is experiencing "severe difficulty" now because of the global financial crisis.

The Guardian

About half of the rapid progressors -- 5percentt of total cases -- develop such severe difficulty in breathing that they have to be connected to mechanical respirators.

The New York Times

We also risk losing a generation of young scientists, driven from the field by the severe difficulty of obtaining research grants.

The New York Times

Acute hydramnios causes abdominal pain, severe difficulty in breathing, and edema in the legs, the vulva (external female genital organs), and the lower part of the abdomen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dr. Osterhaus reported that his team inoculated four macaque monkeys with the coronavirus isolated from SARS patients and then noted the appearance of the signs and symptoms of human SARS, like lethargy, a skin rash and severe difficulty breathing.

The New York Times

As blind tennis grows in the United States, where the Census Bureau estimates that 1.8 million people over 15 have "severe difficulty seeing," it is testing popular notions of the limitations of blindness.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the extent of a problem, use "severe difficulty" to convey a serious and impactful challenge. Be specific about the nature of the difficulty to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "severe difficulty" when the situation only involves minor inconvenience. Overusing strong language can diminish the impact of your message when addressing genuinely critical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe difficulty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "difficulty". Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing significant challenges across varied domains, functioning as a descriptor of the intensity of a problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe difficulty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey significant challenges or obstacles. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, demonstrates its versatility across contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of accurately representing the severity of the situation and consider alternatives like "acute difficulty" or "extreme difficulty" to fine-tune the intended meaning. With careful application, "severe difficulty" serves as a powerful tool for communicating the intensity of problems encountered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acute difficulty

Emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the difficulty.

grave difficulty

Highlights the serious and potentially dangerous nature of the difficulty.

extreme difficulty

Indicates the highest degree of challenge or obstacle.

significant hardship

Focuses on the difficult conditions and suffering experienced.

major impediment

Highlights that difficulty acts as a barrier to progress.

intense struggle

Emphasizes the effort required to overcome the difficulty.

serious obstacle

Focuses on the difficulty as a barrier that needs to be overcome.

critical setback

Highlights how the difficulty has delayed or prevented progress.

challenging predicament

Focuses on the difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation.

harsh adversity

Emphasizes the unfavorable conditions and misfortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe difficulty" to describe challenges in various contexts. For example, "The company faced "severe difficulty" in adapting to the new regulations" or "The patient experienced "severe difficulty" breathing".

What are some alternatives to "severe difficulty"?

Alternatives include "acute difficulty", "grave difficulty", or "extreme difficulty" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "severe difficulty" or "significant challenge"?

"Severe difficulty" emphasizes the problematic aspect, while "significant challenge" frames it as something to be overcome. The better choice depends on whether you want to highlight the problem or the potential for success in addressing it.

What's the difference between "severe difficulty" and "extreme difficulty"?

"Extreme difficulty" suggests the highest possible level of challenge, while "severe difficulty" indicates a very serious but potentially less insurmountable problem. "Extreme difficulty" implies almost impossibility, while "severe difficulty" suggests a great struggle.