that presents difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that presents difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, task, or concept that is challenging or problematic. Example: "The new software update has several features that present difficulties for users unfamiliar with the interface."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Only in the past few years has the N.H.L. dropped its historically cavalier attitude toward concussions, a little-researched injury that presents difficulties in rehabilitation.

The New York Times - Sports

In this study, we have shown that it is possible to elicit a robust arthritis in C57BL/6 mice with synchronized onset and progression and high incidence displaying severe bone and cartilage destruction, something that presents difficulties in the CAIA [ 15] and CIA [ 36, 37] models when using the C57BL/6 strain.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Although first-order absorption has the advantage of being conceptually and mathematically simple, the time profile of absorption has "step" changes in rate that may be unrepresentative of in vivo processes, and this is a "change-point" that presents difficulties for some estimation methods.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

That presents difficulties, but it also provides opportunities.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Not only must it occur but one needs it when they run into texts that present difficulties.

Huffington Post

They include large and dynamic macromolecules that present difficulties to crystallographers and NMR spectroscopists.

Chemical Reviews

For most countries, the length of the Format was not an issue, but it was the structure that presented difficulties.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

We took a critical stance: for example, seeking out aspects of design that enhanced safety as well as those that might compromise it, and aspects that participants found easy to use as well as those that presented difficulties.

BMC Nephrology

GP04 Another area that presented difficulty for GPs was where there was uncertainty concerning the information that they had available to make their decision.

BMC Family Practice

While for some it was the lack of availability of funds per se that presented difficulty, others noted it was the mismatch between the availability of short-term funding for specific research initiatives and the requirements for longer-term investment in capacity that was the principle source of difficulties.

Health Research Policy and Systems

(In Hetherington 2011 he argues that we have no reason to suppose that at least some kinds of knowledge-how, including the kind on offer here, might not be a kind of ability (2011, 73).) Adams (2009) suggests that the results from cognitive psychology that present difficulties for intellectualism also undermine Hetherington's radical anti-intellectualism.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that presents difficulties" to introduce a specific challenge or problem that arises from a situation or decision. Be clear about what "that" refers to in your sentence to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure the "that" clearly refers to a specific, identifiable subject. Avoid using the phrase when the antecedent is unclear, as this can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that presents difficulties" functions as a relative clause, specifically an adjective clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing a characteristic or consequence. It identifies a specific attribute, as demonstrated by Ludwig where the phrase indicates something poses problems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that presents difficulties" is a grammatically correct and usable relative clause that functions to highlight challenges or problems associated with a subject. Ludwig AI indicates it's suitable for describing situations requiring careful consideration. While synonyms like "that poses a challenge" or "that creates an obstacle" offer alternatives, context dictates the best choice. Common usage errors include vague antecedents, emphasizing the need for clarity. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that poses some problems

A more direct synonym, replacing "difficulties" with the broader term "problems".

that poses a challenge

Replaces "presents difficulties" with "poses a challenge", emphasizing the demanding nature of the situation.

that raises issues

Similar to 'poses problems', but focuses on specific points of concern.

that creates an obstacle

Substitutes "presents difficulties" with "creates an obstacle", focusing on the hindering aspect of the situation.

that raises complications

Replaces "presents difficulties" with "raises complications", highlighting the intricate and complex nature of the problem.

that entails some hurdles

Uses "entails some hurdles" instead of "presents difficulties", suggesting obstacles that need to be overcome.

that involves certain struggles

Replaces "presents difficulties" with "involves certain struggles", highlighting the effort and difficulty required.

that causes setbacks

Highlights the delaying or impeding effect of the difficulties.

that generates friction

Suggests difficulties that arise from conflicting elements or resistance.

that produces headwinds

Metaphorically indicates difficulties that act as opposition or resistance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that presents difficulties" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "that poses a challenge" or "that raises complications". These alternatives often suit professional or academic writing.

Is "that presents difficulties" suitable for all types of writing?

While "that presents difficulties" is generally acceptable, its suitability depends on the context. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "that is hard" or "that is tough" might be more appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "difficulties" in the phrase "that presents difficulties"?

Synonyms for "difficulties" include "challenges", "obstacles", "problems", "issues", and "hurdles". Choosing the right synonym can refine the meaning and impact of your sentence. For example, "that presents challenges" emphasizes the need for effort and skill.

How does the context affect the choice of alternatives for "that presents difficulties"?

The context dictates the best alternative. If you want to emphasize the complexity, "that raises complications" is suitable. If you want to highlight a barrier, "that creates an obstacle" is more appropriate.