slight difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

'slight difficulty' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not overly challenging but still requires some effort. For example: I had a slight difficulty finding the store, but eventually I found it.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But the use of the word "obligation" to us Anglo-Saxon lawyers does create some slight difficulty.

Yale University

The only real flaw in "Wag the Dog" is a slight difficulty in its final scenes, as the satire ever-so-slightly begins to sag.

The New York Times

This creates a slight difficulty for our current, obsessively "X -and-"O"-focussed sports media: little of the usual talk of "adjustments" and "tweaks" seems to pertain.

The New Yorker

Australia had been in slight difficulty at 3-54 when Lanning and Haynes combined to demoralise the Pakistani attack with a stand of 181 for the fourth wicket, a record for Australia against all opposition.

The Guardian - Sport

Such as: no difficulty = 0, slight difficulty = 1, moderate difficulty = 2, great difficulty = 3, extreme difficulty = 4.   2.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

None of the patients had any pain and were able to squat easily or with slight difficulty only.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Moreover the staggering causes slight difficulties at the boundaries.

Journal of Computational Physics

"As a second son his parents couldn't afford to send him to music school," says Maw, "so a lot of his musical ambition was transferred to me, which did cause some slight difficulties between us.

The Guardian - Music

Will Hutton ("Our survival is too important to be left to the green movement", Comment, last week) decries the contradictions in lifestyle politics espoused by people like Prince Charles and the G20 protesters, but then claims there are (apparently only slight) difficulties ahead with the "oil-producing countries".

The Guardian

Evidence for a genetic link is the tendency for AS to run in families and an observed higher incidence of family members who have behavioral symptoms similar to AS but in a more limited form (for example, slight difficulties with social interaction, language, or reading).

Wikipedia

In the baseline questionnaire, 67% of the individuals had reported no problems or only slight difficulties in normal activities.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where something isn't easy but not overwhelmingly hard, "slight difficulty" offers a balanced perspective. Use it to avoid exaggeration or understatement.

Common error

Avoid using "slight difficulty" when the situation involves significant obstacles. Reserve it for genuinely minor inconveniences to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

"Slight difficulty" functions as a noun phrase where "slight" modifies the noun "difficulty". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly describes situations where something is not easy but not overwhelmingly challenging.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight difficulty" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor challenge or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in science, news media, and academic writing. When writing, use "slight difficulty" to accurately portray situations that are not easy but not overwhelmingly hard, and consider alternative phrases like "minor setback" or "small challenge" for nuanced variations. Avoid overstating the challenge, and be mindful of the register, opting for more casual language in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small challenge

Focuses on the task being somewhat demanding, but manageable.

a minor hurdle

Emphasizes the problem as a small barrier to overcome.

minor setback

Emphasizes the obstacle as a temporary impediment to progress.

mild struggle

Highlights the effort required is minimal and not overly strenuous.

modest obstacle

Implies that the difficulty is present but is insignificant.

a bit challenging

Highlights the fact that there's a reduced level of ease.

marginal issue

Suggests the difficulty has a low relevance.

some trouble

Indicates a degree of inconvenience or problem, but not major.

a touch tricky

Colloquial phrase implying a slight complexity or sensitivity.

limited impediment

Emphasizes the restriction of the ability to perform an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight difficulty" to describe a task or situation that presents a minor challenge. For example, "I experienced "slight difficulty" finding the correct part for the repair".

What are some alternatives to "slight difficulty"?

Alternatives include "minor setback", "small challenge", or "a bit challenging", depending on the specific context.

Is "slight difficulty" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "slight difficulty" is appropriate for formal writing as it's a clear and professional way to describe a minor problem. However, in less formal contexts, phrases like "a touch tricky" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "slight difficulty" and "major difficulty"?

"Slight difficulty" indicates a small, manageable problem, while "major difficulty" suggests a significant, potentially overwhelming obstacle. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the severity of the situation.