the slightest difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the slightest difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a very minor or trivial problem or challenge someone may encounter. Example: "She completed the task without the slightest difficulty, impressing her colleagues with her efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There was not the slightest difficulty".

The New York Times

Without the slightest difficulty, he could establish settlements in one decade and demolish them in another.

The New Yorker

Puccini seems to have knocked this bit out without the slightest difficulty.

The Guardian - Music

Neither of us has the slightest difficulty in shifting back and forth among several languages.

The New York Times - Books

It is interesting to note that the beneficiaries and victims of Indic culture have never had the slightest difficulty in reconciling the idea of infinite time and infinite space with the idea of the potentially infinite value of the human spirit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A senior administration official quoted in The Times online Thursday afternoon about the Verizon order offered the lame observation that the information does not include the name of any caller, as though there would be the slightest difficulty in matching numbers to names.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Considering Heigl's chances of winning the Emmy, Levine assessed of her performance, by remarking the slight difficulty she has in reaching each emotional state Izzie Stevens has to go through: "Showrunner Shonda Rhimes puts a lot of pressure on Heigl to carry many intense storylines, and she's up to the challenge".

Wikipedia

One drawback to DEP chips is the slight difficulty in fabrication, especially aligning gate electrodes.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

The only real flaw in "Wag the Dog" is a slight difficulty in its final scenes, as the satire ever-so-slightly begins to sag.

The New York Times

North of the Peninsula, it can be traced with slight difficulty across the flats below the Starving Man Cliffs north as far as Starving Man Wash.

Plosone

The value of −0.14 indicates slight difficulty in the Activity domain.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the slightest difficulty" to emphasize the ease with which something was accomplished or the lack of any real obstacles. This can add clarity and impact to your writing when highlighting efficiency or simplicity.

Common error

While "the slightest difficulty" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms like "no trouble at all" or "easily" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the slightest difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or adverbial modifier in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it qualifying the ease with which actions are performed. The phrase indicates a minimal level of challenge or impediment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

22%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the slightest difficulty" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase used to emphasize the absence of any significant problems or challenges. Ludwig analysis, supported by real-world examples, indicates its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news media and general writing. While the phrase is useful for highlighting simplicity and efficiency, remember to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain reader engagement. The phrase is well-regarded and can enhance clarity when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the least bit of trouble

Emphasizes the lack of any significant problem or complication.

the minimal challenge

Focuses on the extremely low level of difficulty involved.

the smallest impediment

Highlights the insignificance of any potential obstacle.

no real problem

Indicates the absence of any substantial difficulty.

without any trouble at all

Stresses the complete absence of difficulty or inconvenience.

with no difficulty whatsoever

Reinforces the idea that the task was accomplished with complete ease.

not the slightest problem

Highlights the absence of even minor problems.

easily accomplished

Indicates that the task was completed effortlessly.

a breeze

An informal idiom suggesting that something is very easy to do.

no sweat

An informal expression indicating that something is not at all difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "the slightest difficulty" to indicate that something was achieved easily or without any problems. For example: "She completed the project without "the slightest difficulty"."

What's a more formal alternative to "the slightest difficulty"?

A more formal alternative would be "without any significant impediment" or "with minimal challenge". These phrases convey a similar meaning in a more professional context.

Is it correct to say "the less difficulty" instead of "the slightest difficulty"?

While "the less difficulty" is grammatically correct in certain contexts, it doesn't have the same emphasis on the absence of problems as "the slightest difficulty". It is better to use the latter when you want to emphasize the ease with which something was done.

What are some phrases similar to "the slightest difficulty"?

Similar phrases include "no real problem", "without any trouble at all", and "with no difficulty whatsoever". These alternatives all emphasize the absence of significant challenges.