the only difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a singular challenge or obstacle in a situation or context. Example: "The project went smoothly, but the only difficulty we encountered was the tight deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But rejection is not the only difficulty.

The Economist

The only difficulty was reaching F&L.

The New York Times

That was not the only difficulty.

The New York Times - Magazine

The only difficulty I have is about this rebutting evidence.

Yale University

The only difficulty is deciphering a Chinese menu.

The New York Times - Travel

The only difficulty is that he and Ritz were crooks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But rapid turnover is not the only difficulty.

The Economist

Loyalty in love hasn't been the only difficulty.

The Guardian

The only difficulty was that Etna is exactly North of Syracuse.

The New York Times - Books

He said: "The only difficulty is that five people read it.

The New York Times

The only difficulty he has now is with going off-script.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the only difficulty" to clearly and concisely pinpoint the primary obstacle or challenge in a given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "the only difficulty" when there are multiple significant challenges; instead, consider phrases like "a major difficulty" or "one of the difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only difficulty" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it highlights a singular obstacle or challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only difficulty" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to pinpoint a singular challenge or obstacle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various reputable sources, particularly in news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the presence of just one significant issue to avoid overstating the problem. Consider alternative phrases like "the main challenge" or "the sole obstacle" for nuanced expression. Remember to use it judiciously and avoid it when multiple difficulties exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole obstacle

Emphasizes that there is just one barrier.

the single problem

Highlights that there is just one issue to resolve.

the main challenge

Focuses on the primary difficulty among others.

the only issue

Indicates the presence of a unique problematic point.

the sole impediment

Highlights the existence of one hindering factor.

the one snag

Indicates one unexpected or hidden obstacle.

the sole setback

Indicates the existence of a unique obstacle.

the main complication

Highlights that a complexity is the primary problem.

the only concern

Focuses on the primary element of apprehension.

the chief hurdle

Highlights that a hurdle is the most important to overcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the only difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives such as "the main challenge", "the sole obstacle", or "the primary issue" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "the only difficulty" in formal writing?

Yes, "the only difficulty" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly identifies a singular problem or challenge.

What is a more emphatic alternative to "the only difficulty"?

For a more emphatic alternative, consider phrases like "the insurmountable obstacle" or "the critical challenge". However, ensure the context justifies such strong language.

When should I not use "the only difficulty"?

Avoid using "the only difficulty" if multiple challenges or problems exist. Instead, use phrases like "one of the difficulties" or "a significant challenge".