the difficulty lingers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the difficulty lingers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a problem or challenge persists over time, often despite efforts to resolve it. Example: "Even after several attempts to address the issue, the difficulty lingers, making it hard for the team to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brain scans differentiate adults who have recovered from childhood ADHD and those whose difficulties linger.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Postnational Democracy, then, encourages the reader to consider the difficulties that the lingering notion of nation-state presents.

Columbia University

The shift, officials said, may be necessary because of the lingering difficulties in rebuilding the country and establishing law and order in a nation still wracked by banditry, warlords and renegade Taliban fighters.

The New York Times

(One of the brigade's Black Hawks was famously shot down in Somalia, a lesson in the difficulty of urban warfare and the lingering risks of helicopter warfare generally).

The New York Times

One reason for this lingering ambiguity is the difficulty experienced by observers in precisely identifying the target of these animals' gazes in the context of natural or semi-natural habitats (e.g., [11]).

Plosone

During the meeting Mr. Barroso is expected to show that the commission is willing to be flexible, by proposing that a number of states be given more time to meet their budgetary targets because of the lingering difficulties in the European economy.

The New York Times

There are still many hurdles for the industry to clear, including the insider trading investigation, lingering difficulty in raising money, and the liquidity demands from investors still fuming over lockups in 2008 that denied them access to their cash.

The New York Times

The finish lingers and lingers.

The New York Times

The question lingers.

The New York Times - Sports

The depression lingers.

The New York Times

Still, the uncertainty lingers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "the difficulty lingers" when you want to emphasize that a problem or challenge is not easily resolved and continues to affect a situation or person over time. It's often effective in conveying a sense of frustration or ongoing struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "the difficulty lingers" in situations where a simpler, more direct phrase would suffice. For example, instead of saying "the difficulty lingers in understanding the instructions", consider "the instructions are still unclear".

Linguistic Context

The difficulty lingers functions as a clause element, typically an observation or commentary on a situation. It asserts that a particular difficulty or challenge has not disappeared and continues to exert its influence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the difficulty lingers" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the persistence of a problem or challenge. While Ludwig indicates that it is correct, the lack of examples in the provided data suggests it may not be a highly common expression. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure it effectively conveys the ongoing nature of the difficulty you're describing. Remember that simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the problem persists

Focuses on the continuation of a problem, rather than the feeling of difficulty.

the challenge remains

Highlights the ongoing nature of a challenge, implying a need for continued effort.

the issue continues

Emphasizes the unbroken sequence of an issue, lacking the nuance of difficulty.

difficulties persist

Reorders the words and makes 'difficulties' plural to emphasize the many different problems.

the struggle endures

Conveys a sense of hardship and perseverance in the face of ongoing difficulty.

the hardship lingers

Focuses specifically on the lingering nature of hardship.

the situation deteriorates

Indicates a decline or worsening of a situation over time.

the trouble continues

Highlights the unending nature of the trouble.

the suffering remains

Highlights the ongoing nature of suffering or pain.

the pain endures

Emphasizes the persistence of pain, whether physical or emotional.

FAQs

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

You can use "the difficulty lingers" to describe a situation where a problem or challenge persists over time. For example, "Even after several attempts to address the issue, "the difficulty lingers", making it hard for the team to move forward."

What can I say instead of "the difficulty lingers"?

You can use alternatives like "the problem persists", "the challenge remains", or "the issue continues" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the difficulty remains" instead of "the difficulty lingers"?

Yes, "the difficulty remains" is a correct and similar alternative. While both phrases convey the idea of a persisting problem, "the difficulty lingers" emphasizes the prolonged or drawn-out nature of the issue.

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

The phrase "the difficulty lingers" suggests that a problem has not been fully resolved and continues to have an effect, while "the problem is solved" indicates that the issue has been successfully addressed and is no longer a concern. They are antonyms.