the difficulty was resolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the difficulty was resolved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a problem or challenge that has been successfully addressed or overcome. Example: "After several meetings and discussions, I am pleased to report that the difficulty was resolved, and we can now move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The difficulty was resolved when he came to realize that Churchill was a perfect example of that virtue.

The New York Times - Books

But instead, a natural solution was found: Stewart Pearce, recruited as the Globe's Master of Voice, taught the actors to lower the pitch of their voices (to speak "magnetically," not "electrically," as Mr. Pearce put it), and the difficulty was resolved.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, this difficulty is resolved if what Israeli meant here was an intelligence or soul governing the sphere.

SEP

This difficulty was resolved by a combination of: (1) a simulation parametric study; (2) an experimental programme devised according to the results of the study; (3) by the use of carbon/epoxy composite for critical elements.

Materials & Design

(Ill-disciplined countries that have received a tongue-lashing from the Dutch are savouring the irony).Even assuming all these difficulties are resolved, the fate of the euro will remain uncertain.

The Economist

However, for alternative parameterization of skew normal distribution these difficulties are resolved, and the likelihood function exhibits a more regular behaviour without a stationary point when the asymmetry parameter is equal to zero [ 33].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

This difficulty is resolved by incorporating the factor r into the weight function for spectral elements adjacent to the axis of symmetry and using appropriate basis functions in these elements in the radial direction.

Journal of Computational Physics

This difficulty is resolved by comparing, instead, the ratios of amide I to amide II when the irradiation polarization is parallel and perpendicular.

Biomedical Optics Express

This difficulty is resolved by noting that only the overall energy of a molecule is important, and, as long as a process leads to a lowering of energy, it can contribute even if an initial investment of energy is required.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this work, such difficulty is resolved by using a Lagrangian function transforming the problem into one of unconstrained minimization.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Although these difficulties were resolved, changing national and global economic conditions continued to hamper the economic development of Cleveland and of the state as a whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the difficulty was resolved", ensure the context clearly indicates what the difficulty was and how it was resolved for clarity. Provide specific details to enhance understanding and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "the difficulty was resolved" without specifying what the difficulty was. This can leave the reader wondering what you are referring to, which reduces the impact of your statement. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the difficulty was resolved" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a previously existing problem or challenge has been successfully addressed. It uses a passive voice construction, emphasizing the action taken rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the difficulty was resolved" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a problem or challenge has been successfully addressed. While not exceedingly common, as Ludwig notes, it is suitable for use in professional, academic, and news contexts. It's crucial to provide specific details about the difficulty and its resolution for clarity. Alternatives such as "the problem was solved" or "the issue was addressed" can be used for a more general meaning. The phrase appears across varied authoritative sources, including The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, reinforcing its legitimacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the problem was solved

Replaces "difficulty" with "problem" and "resolved" with "solved", offering a more general and common alternative.

the issue was addressed

Substitutes "difficulty" with "issue" and "resolved" with "addressed", indicating that the matter has been taken care of.

the matter was settled

Uses "matter" instead of "difficulty" and "settled" instead of "resolved", suggesting a conclusion has been reached, often in a dispute.

the obstacle was overcome

Replaces "difficulty" with "obstacle" and "resolved" with "overcome", emphasizing the act of successfully passing a barrier.

the challenge was met

Substitutes "difficulty" with "challenge" and "resolved" with "met", indicating a successful response to a demanding task.

a solution was found

Focuses on the discovery of a solution to the difficulty, shifting the emphasis from the difficulty itself.

the impasse was broken

Replaces "difficulty" with "impasse" and "resolved" with "broken", indicating the end of a deadlock or stalemate.

the snag was rectified

Uses "snag" instead of "difficulty" and "rectified" instead of "resolved", suitable for technical or minor issues that needed correction.

the hurdle was cleared

Replaces "difficulty" with "hurdle" and "resolved" with "cleared", emphasizing the successful navigation of an obstacle.

the problem has been fixed

Uses "problem" instead of "difficulty" and "fixed" instead of "resolved", offering a more informal alternative.

FAQs

What does "the difficulty was resolved" mean?

The phrase "the difficulty was resolved" means that a problem or challenge has been successfully addressed and overcome. It indicates that a solution has been found, and the matter is no longer an issue.

What are some alternatives to "the difficulty was resolved"?

You can use alternatives like "the problem was solved", "the issue was addressed", or "a solution was found" depending on the specific context.

Is "the difficulty was resolved" formal or informal?

The phrase "the difficulty was resolved" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts.

How can I use "the difficulty was resolved" in a sentence?

You can use "the difficulty was resolved" in sentences like: "After careful consideration, the difficulty was resolved through a collaborative effort." or "The technical difficulty was resolved by implementing new software."