the difficulty here is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the difficulty here is that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a challenge or problem that needs to be addressed in a discussion or argument. Example: "The difficulty here is that we have limited resources to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The difficulty here is that scariness is partly an innate characteristic, and partly comes with seniority.

BBC

The difficulty here is that while Olafsson acknowledges, he also hedges.

The New York Times - Books

"The difficulty here is that some of the benefits that advocates of GM talk about are significant.

The Guardian

The difficulty here is that we are saying there is a real chance these guys are going to develop cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.

The Guardian

The difficulty here is that the EU insists that the two are indivisible and linguistic nuance is probably not what many leave voters had in mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nina Bentley's contribution is sprawling, but the difficulty here is that her contributions are individual works that vary so much in theme that she should have been edited.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Vivienne, another of the prospective housekeepers, didn't even make it past two hours in Gabriella's house, the difficulty here being that Vivienne turned out to be looking for servants to boss around as well.

Independent

"The difficulty here was that he had almost two different subject[s]," Philippe Bouyer, Schwartz's direct supervisor during the second part of his Ph.D., writes in an e-mail.

Science Magazine

Campbell said: "One of the difficulties here is that you cannot keep an eye on everyone all of the time and as the committee found in the case of Lee Rigby [who was murdered by Adebolajo] there is no doubt from time to time the security services have to prioritise those upon whom they are conducting surveillance".

The Guardian

However, compared with the Navier-Stokes equations, the additional difficulty here is that some more explicit estimates for nonlinear terms should be done.

Boundary Value Problems

The general difficulty here is that we are using the operations of one tiny part of nature that we are familiar with — our own human minds — to serve as "the model for the whole universe" (D, 2.19/148, 3.12/156; cp. EU, 11.29/146).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the difficulty here is that", ensure that the statement following 'that' clearly articulates the specific problem or challenge you are addressing. Be concise and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the difficulty here is that" as a mere introduction without fully explaining the actual difficulty. Ensure you elaborate on the problem rather than simply stating its existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the difficulty here is that" serves as an introductory phrase. It's used to preface an explanation of a problem, obstacle, or challenge that is relevant to the current discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the difficulty here is that" functions as a pivotal introductory element, signaling an impending problem, challenge, or obstacle within a discourse. It finds frequent application across diverse contexts, most notably in news media, scientific literature, and academic discussions. The phrase's grammatical soundness and pervasive usage across reputable sources underscore its reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the existence of several alternative phrasing options like "the problem here is that" or "the issue here is that". When employing the phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in articulating the ensuing difficulty to enhance effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the problem here is that

Replaces "difficulty" with "problem", focusing on the problematic aspect of a situation.

the challenge here is that

Substitutes "difficulty" with "challenge", highlighting the demanding nature of the situation.

the issue here is that

Uses "issue" instead of "difficulty", presenting the situation as a matter needing attention.

the complication here is that

Replaces "difficulty" with "complication", emphasizing the intricate or complex nature of the problem.

the snag here is that

Utilizes the word "snag" instead of "difficulty", indicating a hidden or unexpected obstacle.

the hitch here is that

Substitutes "difficulty" with "hitch", suggesting a temporary impediment or malfunction.

the impediment here is that

Employs the term "impediment", signaling something that obstructs progress.

the obstacle here is that

Replaces "difficulty" with "obstacle", denoting a barrier that must be overcome.

a major concern is that

Shifts the focus to "concern", emphasizing the worrying aspect of the situation.

a significant limitation is that

Highlights a restriction or constraint, framing the difficulty as a boundary to action or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "the difficulty here is that" in a sentence?

You can use "the difficulty here is that" to introduce a problem or challenge. For example, "The difficulty here is that we lack sufficient funding to complete the project."

What can I say instead of "the difficulty here is that"?

You can use alternatives like "the problem here is that", "the challenge here is that", or "the issue here is that" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the difficulty here is that"?

Yes, "the difficulty here is that" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to introduce a problem or challenge.

What's the difference between "the difficulty here is that" and "the challenge here is that"?

While similar, "the difficulty here is that" generally refers to a problem, whereas "the challenge here is that" often implies a problem that requires effort and skill to overcome.