there is a difficulty with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a difficulty with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that there is a problem or challenge related to a specific issue or topic. Example: "There is a difficulty with the current project timeline that we need to address in our next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If there is a difficulty with the Scanlon report Australia Today, it is the sheer volume of information which portrays the complexity of Australia's culture.

The Guardian

But there is a difficulty with PC plants: they spew out a huge volume of flue gas, of which CO2 is only a small part.

The Economist

There is a difficulty with this: there is no legal requirement to use the point count, and a small minority of heretics prefer to value their hands by considering controls, distribution and other factors.

The New York Times - Arts

But then there is a difficulty with the continuity of such operator.

Boundary Value Problems

Nāgārjuna argues that there is a difficulty with thinking of the individual (the mover) and the property (the motion) in the familiar way, as mutually independent objects.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"The teller said: 'There's a difficulty with this cheque.

The Guardian - Money

There was a difficulty with this scenario, however: Amina Abaker Mohammed's home region of Darfur had caught fire.

The New Yorker

"If we're cut off from that, or if there's some reason that there's a difficulty with that, then it's questionable if there is enough genetic diversity for this breed to exist," said Kevin Shupenia, a Georgia breeder who owns about 20 harriers.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a difficulty to reconcile one with the other - but that's the strength of Allan Cubitt's writing.

Independent

Because of the rarity of osteosarcoma, there is a difficulty in designing a prospective study with a large number of participants.

British Journal of Cancer

Now that you're back to serious acting, do you think there's been a difficulty with people realizing that you're a very well-rounded artist?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is a difficulty with", clearly specify what the difficulty pertains to. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a difficulty with" without specifying the subject. For instance, instead of saying "There is a difficulty with the project", specify: "There is a difficulty with the project's timeline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a difficulty with" functions as an existential clause, introducing the existence of a problem or challenge related to a specific subject. It signals that something is not proceeding smoothly, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there is a difficulty with" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for identifying a problem or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While "very common" as a phrase it's still valuable to rephrase. Consider using alternative phrases like "there is a problem with" or "there is an issue with" for simplicity, or "a challenge exists with" for a slightly more formal tone. Remember to specify the subject of the difficulty for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is a problem with

Replaces "difficulty" with the more common word "problem".

there is an issue with

Substitutes "difficulty" with "issue", another common synonym.

a challenge exists with

Uses "challenge" instead of "difficulty", framing the problem as something to overcome.

a complication arises from

Employs "complication" to suggest a more complex problem.

a snag has emerged in

Replaces "difficulty" with "snag", indicating a minor problem.

difficulties are present in

Uses the plural form "difficulties" to emphasize multiple problems.

problems are associated with

Focuses on the association of problems with a specific subject.

a hurdle exists in

Uses "hurdle" to imply an obstacle that needs to be cleared.

an impediment arises from

Substitutes "difficulty" with "impediment", indicating something that hinders progress.

there are limitations to

Emphasizes the limitations or restrictions associated with something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "there is a difficulty with" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a challenge exists with" or "difficulties are present in" depending on the specific context.

What's a simpler way to say "there is a difficulty with"?

Simpler alternatives include "there is a problem with" or "there is an issue with". These options are more direct and easily understood.

When is it appropriate to use "there is a difficulty with"?

This phrase is suitable when you need to address a challenge, problem, or obstacle related to a specific topic. It's common in both formal and informal settings, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Is "there is a difficulty with" grammatically correct?

Yes, as Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase "there is a difficulty with" is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It correctly identifies the existence of an issue.