the foremost difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the foremost difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight the most significant or primary challenge in a given context. Example: "In our project, the foremost difficulty we encountered was securing adequate funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The foremost difficulty of this treatment modality is related to the tooth extraction that may be associated with severe complications, such as failure to extract the whole tooth in one full piece and occasional root resorption following the treatment.

Evidence-Based Endodontics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The foremost concerns in applying topology optimization to bone remodeling include the difficulty of handling large-scale problems and associated huge computational cost.

Finite Elements in Analysis and Design

The Warsaw ghetto was the foremost example.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was the foremost precursor of vaudeville.

The New Yorker

The foremost of these is violent crime.

The Economist

Bābur himself was the foremost contributor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sun hits the foremost peak.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He soon became the foremost Tory architect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The foremost English practitioner was Isaac Gosset.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The foremost of the ultraconservative pressure groups was the International Committee of Fathers.

The New Yorker

"The U.S.A. is the foremost enemy of Islam," it said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the foremost difficulty", ensure you clearly define the context and what makes it the most significant challenge. This helps the reader understand the problem's importance.

Common error

Avoid using "the foremost difficulty" when a simpler or less dramatic term like "a challenge" or "a problem" would suffice. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the foremost difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying the most significant challenge or problem within a given context. Ludwig shows its use to pinpoint primary obstacles.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the foremost difficulty" is a noun phrase used to highlight the most significant challenge in a particular situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal and neutral contexts, often appearing in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. While not exceedingly common, employing this phrase effectively conveys the paramount importance of the difficulty being discussed. Alternatives like "the main challenge" or "the primary obstacle" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use the phrase accurately to maintain clarity and impact. Note that Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English, indicating that it follows standard grammar conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main challenge

Replaces 'foremost' with 'main', emphasizing the primary nature of the difficulty.

the primary obstacle

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'obstacle', highlighting the hindering aspect of the challenge.

the key challenge

Similar to 'main challenge' but emphasizes its cruciality.

the biggest problem

Uses 'problem' instead of 'difficulty', indicating a significant issue.

the principal hurdle

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'hurdle', suggesting an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

the leading issue

Emphasizes that the difficulty is at the forefront of concerns.

the paramount concern

Highlights the supreme importance of the difficulty.

the central complication

Focuses on the intricate and complex nature of the difficulty.

the chief impediment

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'impediment', highlighting something that hinders progress.

the major setback

Indicates that the difficulty is a significant obstacle to progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "the foremost difficulty" to highlight the most significant challenge in a given situation. For example: "The foremost difficulty in implementing this project is securing funding."

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

You can use alternatives like "the main challenge", "the primary obstacle", or "the biggest problem" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the main difficulty" or "the foremost difficulty"?

"The foremost difficulty" emphasizes that the challenge is at the very front or most important, while "the main difficulty" simply indicates the principal challenge. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intensity you want to convey.

What makes "the foremost difficulty" different from "a major difficulty"?

"The foremost difficulty" implies that it is the single most important or significant challenge, whereas "a major difficulty" simply indicates a significant, but not necessarily the most important, problem.