state of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where someone is facing challenges or obstacles. Example: "During the economic downturn, many families found themselves in a state of difficulty, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem for Labour, however, is that in its northern heartlands, it is the Conservatives rather than Miliband et al who appear to have won the 'fairness' battle when it comes to welfare, leaving the opposition in a state of considerable difficulty.

The Guardian

Respondents are asked to state the level of difficulty experienced taking into consideration how they usually do the activity, including the use of any assistive devices and/or the help of a person.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The [name omitted] department at the NOC has recently been in a state of upheaval, with difficulty getting people to commit to helping sort out problems or even return emails… This may be because of the merger coming up.

BMC Health Services Research

Numerical models, even state-of-the-art, have difficulties to provide independent predictions, because input data are scarce and sometimes tentative.

Applied Water Science

Judging by the current state of affairs, certain difficulties are now at least forty years old without solution and sometimes a century or more.

Huffington Post

Due to the above difficulties, even state-of-the-art image processing and recognition methods may suffer from difficulties in analyzing biological images.

Development Growth and Differentiation

Complex backgrounds, uneven illumination, and presence of almost unlimited number of text fonts, sizes, and orientations pose great difficulties even to state-of-the-art text detection methods.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

To bridge the difficulties found on state-of-the-art works on fulfilling proximity constraints, here, cells are organized into proximity groups which implement the desired set of symmetry and proximity requirements.

Expert Systems with Applications

Test-making companies say they must cater to each state's requirements in levels of difficulty, as well as any distinctive culture and mores.

The New York Times

But on a deeper level the movie is really a meditation on the frustrating experience of living under a state of siege and the difficulty of carrying on the semblance of normal life in such circumstances.

The New York Times

League officials and players acknowledged that this would be difficult, given the fragile state of the economy, the difficulty of attracting sponsorship for women's sports and overall decreases in attendance and television ratings for sports in this country.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "state of difficulty", consider whether a more specific term might provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying a company is in a "state of difficulty", you could say it's facing "financial hardship" or "operational challenges".

Common error

While "state of difficulty" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound vague or indirect in formal writing. Opt for more precise and impactful language to clearly convey the specific nature of the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It describes a condition or situation characterized by problems and challenges, which according to Ludwig AI, is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state of difficulty" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe challenging or problematic circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, more specific terms might be preferred in formal writing to enhance clarity. Though semantically correct, the frequency of the phrase is missing. Consider alternatives like "difficult situation" or "challenging circumstances" to tailor your message. The phrase conveys a negative connotation, implying the presence of obstacles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situation

Focuses on the problematic circumstances rather than the condition itself; is more general.

challenging circumstances

Emphasizes the element of challenge and potential for growth; carries a slightly more positive connotation.

troubled times

Highlights the temporal aspect and general adversity.

precarious situation

Suggests instability and potential danger.

adverse conditions

Focuses on unfavorable external factors.

hardship

Emphasizes the suffering and privation involved.

predicament

Implies a perplexing or entrapping situation.

crisis

Denotes a critical and decisive point, often implying urgency.

plight

Refers to a distressing or unfortunate situation.

quandary

Highlights the aspect of uncertainty and difficult choices.

FAQs

How can I use "state of difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "state of difficulty" to describe a situation where someone or something is facing significant challenges. For example, "The company found itself in a "state of difficulty" after the economic downturn."

What's a more formal alternative to "state of difficulty"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "condition of hardship", "situation of struggle", or "period of adversity" instead of "state of difficulty".

Is "state of difficulty" always negative?

Yes, "state of difficulty" generally implies a negative situation or challenge. However, it can also suggest an opportunity for growth or overcoming obstacles.

What are some common causes of a "state of difficulty"?

A "state of difficulty" can arise from various factors, including economic downturns, personal hardships, political instability, or natural disasters.