technical Difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "technical difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe problems or issues related to technology, often in the context of presentations, broadcasts, or online meetings. Example: "We apologize for the interruption; we are currently experiencing technical difficulties and will resume shortly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Technical difficulties".

The New York Times

China blamed technical difficulties.

The Economist

Minor technical difficulties, basically.

The Guardian - Sport

"Still Experiencing Technical Difficulties.

The New York Times

Technical difficulties abound getting started.

The Guardian

But that has its own technical difficulties".

Independent

The mission was plagued by technical difficulties.

The New Yorker

Technical difficulties also interrupted the class.

The New York Times

There are technical difficulties with this.

The Guardian - Business

"We're having technical difficulties with the robot.

The Guardian

So far, technical difficulties on the mission have been minor.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting "technical difficulties", be specific about the nature of the problem to facilitate quicker resolution. For example, instead of just stating "technical difficulties", specify "network connectivity issues" or "software incompatibility errors".

Common error

Avoid using "technical difficulties" as a blanket statement without providing context. This can frustrate audiences and stakeholders who need to understand the specific issues at hand. Always aim to provide a concise explanation of what went wrong and what steps are being taken to resolve it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technical difficulties" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples where it explains disruptions or provides reasons for problems. The phrase describes problems or issues related to technology or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "technical difficulties" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe problems or issues related to technology. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While the phrase is versatile, being specific about the nature of the problem enhances clarity. Common alternatives include "technical issues" and "system errors". This phrase is frequently used in news, media and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

technical issues

Replaces "difficulties" with a more general term "issues".

technical problems

Substitutes "difficulties" with "problems", indicating challenges with technology.

equipment malfunctions

Focuses on the malfunctioning of equipment as the source of the problem.

system failures

Highlights failures within a system, often related to software or hardware.

operational glitches

Uses "glitches" to refer to minor, unexpected problems during operation.

mechanical faults

Specifically refers to faults in mechanical systems.

software bugs

Focuses on problems specifically related to software.

hardware failures

Points to failures in the physical components of a system.

computer errors

Specifically refers to errors occurring in computer systems.

unexpected complications

A more general term indicating unforeseen problems, not necessarily limited to technology.

FAQs

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

You can use "technical difficulties" to explain interruptions or problems related to technology. For example: "We apologize for the interruption; we are experiencing "technical difficulties" and will resume shortly."

What are some alternatives to "technical difficulties"?

Alternatives include "technical issues", "system errors", or "equipment malfunction". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "we are having a technical difficulty"?

While understandable, it's more common and grammatically sound to say "we are experiencing "technical difficulties"". The plural form is typically used to acknowledge the range of potential problems.

What's the difference between "technical difficulties" and "operational challenges"?

"Technical difficulties" usually refer to specific problems with technology or equipment. "Operational challenges", on the other hand, encompass broader issues that may affect processes and workflows, and are not strictly limited to technological problems.