significant difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe challenges or obstacles that are considerable in nature or impact. Example: "The team faced significant difficulties in meeting the project deadline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One in five experience "significant difficulties".

The Guardian

As Ragan puts it, they are children with "autism which causes them severe and significant difficulties".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Upon leaving, staff running the programme estimated that 80% of care leavers still faced significant difficulties.

The Guardian

This problem frequently leads to significant difficulties aside from the primary presenting problem.

Britannica

Historically, women have faced significant difficulties breaking into the predominantly male startup culture.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This approach presents significant difficulties at this stage, and may have limited benefits.

Harvard University

As long as the court case stays unresolved, Silberfein predicted "significant difficulties and cost increases" in the bond financing.

The New York Times

This causes significant difficulties with the convergence of finite element solutions.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Modeling of thermal multiphase fluid flow in subsurface porous media poses significant difficulties for nonlinear solvers.

Journal of Computational Physics

Beyond all of this, evaluating Prince's plan as an attempt to improve counterinsurgency has three significant difficulties.

The Washington Post

Insofar as the banker's tips to his brother are concerned, Salman's Newman personal benefit argument will likely face significant difficulties.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider quantifying the impact of the "significant difficulties" to emphasize their importance. For example, instead of just stating that a project faced significant difficulties, mention how the difficulties affected timelines or budgets.

Common error

Avoid using "significant difficulties" when the challenges are minor or easily overcome. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Use more moderate language when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" is an adjective modifying the noun "difficulties". It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, denoting notable challenges or problems. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant difficulties" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that describes substantial challenges or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in various contexts, ranging from news reports and scientific papers to professional communications. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly indicate the specific area where the difficulties are experienced and, if possible, quantify their impact. While versatile, avoid overusing it for minor challenges to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "major challenges" or "considerable obstacles". By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "significant difficulties" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major challenges

Replaces "difficulties" with "challenges" and "significant" with "major", emphasizing the demanding nature of the situation.

severe challenges

Synonymous with "significant difficulties", indicating major obstacles or problems that require effort to overcome.

considerable obstacles

Uses "obstacles" instead of "difficulties" and "considerable" instead of "significant", highlighting the impediments faced.

substantial problems

Substitutes "difficulties" with "problems" and "significant" with "substantial", underscoring the issues encountered.

serious setbacks

Replaces "difficulties" with "setbacks" and "significant" with "serious", focusing on the impediments to progress.

notable hurdles

Uses "hurdles" instead of "difficulties" and "notable" instead of "significant", highlighting the obstacles that need to be overcome.

pronounced struggles

Substitutes "difficulties" with "struggles" and "significant" with "pronounced", emphasizing the effort and hardship involved.

marked complications

Replaces "difficulties" with "complications" and "significant" with "marked", focusing on the elements that make things more complex.

grave predicaments

Uses "predicaments" instead of "difficulties" and "grave" instead of "significant", highlighting the serious nature of the situation.

tough predicaments

Replaces "significant" with "tough" and "difficulties" with "predicaments" to indicate a challenging or unfavorable condition or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "significant difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "significant difficulties" to describe substantial challenges or problems faced in a particular situation. For example: "The project encountered "significant difficulties" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to using "significant difficulties"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "major challenges", "considerable obstacles", or "substantial problems" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to say "significant difficulties" or "major difficulties"?

Both "significant difficulties" and "major difficulties" are acceptable and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "significant difficulties" and "minor difficulties"?

"Significant difficulties" implies substantial and impactful challenges, whereas "minor difficulties" suggests smaller, less consequential issues.