there is a hitch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a hitch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is a problem or obstacle that needs to be addressed. Example: "We were all set to launch the project, but there is a hitch that we need to resolve first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

But there is a hitch.

The New York Times

There is a hitch, of course.

The New York Times

There is a hitch, though.

The Guardian - Sport

An amazing discovery, but there is a hitch.

Harvard University

But there is a hitch with that model.

The Economist

For Google and other foreign companies, there is a hitch.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Now it turns out there was a hitch.

The New York Times

But there's a hitch.

The New York Times

But there was a hitch.

The New York Times - Arts

Unfortunately, there's a hitch.

The New York Times - Tech

But, for Polidori, there was a hitch.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is a hitch", ensure the context clearly establishes what the expected or desired outcome was, so the hitch is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a hitch" when the issue is a major obstacle or deal-breaker. The phrase implies a relatively minor inconvenience, not a fundamental flaw.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a hitch" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a caveat or unforeseen problem. As shown in Ludwig, it signals that something is not as straightforward as initially presented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there is a hitch" is a common and acceptable idiom used to introduce an unforeseen problem or complication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for relatively minor inconveniences rather than major deal-breakers. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "there is a drawback" or "there is a complication". Key sources include The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian, reflecting its prevalence in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's a catch

This alternative is more concise and informal, using the contraction "there's".

there's a problem

This alternative is more direct and uses the common word "problem".

there's a snag

This alternative uses the word "snag" which implies a small, unexpected difficulty.

there's a downside

This alternative highlights the negative aspect or disadvantage.

there is a drawback

This alternative uses "drawback", a more formal synonym for disadvantage.

there is a difficulty

This alternative uses the more general term "difficulty".

there is a complication

This alternative uses the word "complication" suggesting a more intricate problem.

the fly in the ointment

This alternative is an idiom that describes a minor irritation or problem that spoils the success of something.

the devil is in the details

This alternative is an idiom that means the details of something are more complicated than they seem.

the only issue is

This alternative is more direct and specifies that the hitch is the only issue.

FAQs

What does "there is a hitch" mean?

The phrase "there is a hitch" means that there is a problem, obstacle, or difficulty that needs to be addressed. It often implies a minor inconvenience or unexpected issue that hinders progress or spoils an otherwise positive situation.

What can I say instead of "there is a hitch"?

You can use alternatives like "there's a catch", "there's a problem", or "there's a snag" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "there is a hitch" or "there is a problem"?

Both phrases are correct, but "there is a hitch" suggests a smaller, more specific issue, while "there is a problem" is more general. The best choice depends on the severity and nature of the obstacle you're describing.

Can "there is a hitch" be used in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "there is a hitch" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal tone. In highly formal contexts, consider using phrases like "there is a drawback" or "there is a complication".