the difficulty is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the difficulty is' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to indicate the problem, issue, or challenge that needs to be overcome. For example: "The difficulty is that we need to reduce the budget without affecting the quality of the product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The difficulty is how to hit IS targets inside Mosul without causing massive civilian casualties.

Huffington Post

The difficulty is evidence.

The Economist

The difficulty is separating them.

The New York Times - Arts

The difficulty is twofold.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, the difficulty is the point.

The New York Times

The difficulty is also practical.

The New York Times

The difficulty is stopping it.

The New York Times - Sports

The difficulty is tracking down the perpetrators.

The New York Times - Magazine

The difficulty is to unroll these strips.

The New Yorker

The difficulty is washing clothes," he says.

The Guardian

The difficulty is in proving it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "the difficulty is" with a concise explanation of the issue to ensure clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid stating "the difficulty is" without clearly defining what the difficulty actually is. Always provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the difficulty is" functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to highlight and introduce a problem, challenge, or obstacle. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples confirm that it is a common way to preface an explanation of a challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the difficulty is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce and emphasize a challenge or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Analysis of various sources shows that it is frequently used in News & Media. To ensure clarity, it's best to follow this phrase with a specific and detailed explanation of the issue at hand. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, consider alternatives in very formal contexts for increased sophistication. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "the difficulty is" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the problem is that

Directly points to a problem requiring a solution.

the main issue is

Highlights the primary concern or obstacle.

the challenge lies in

Focuses on the challenge aspect, suggesting effort and overcoming obstacles.

the complication is

Draws attention to the intricate or complex aspect of the problem.

the hurdle is

Implies an obstacle that must be overcome to progress.

the catch is

Suggests a hidden condition or drawback.

the pitfall is

Suggests a hidden danger or risk.

the impediment is

Focuses on something that hinders or prevents progress.

the stumbling block is

Highlights something that causes one to hesitate or fail.

the snag is

Indicates a minor, unexpected difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "the difficulty is" to introduce the core challenge or problem you are addressing. For instance, "The difficulty is maintaining consistent quality across all production lines".

What are some alternatives to using "the difficulty is"?

You can use alternatives such as "the challenge lies in", "the problem is that", or "the main issue is" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the difficulty is" in formal writing?

Yes, "the difficulty is" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "the primary challenge resides in".

What's the difference between "the difficulty is" and "the problem is"?

While similar, "the difficulty is" emphasizes the challenging aspect, while "the problem is that" focuses more directly on the issue itself. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.