there is a small difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a small difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that there is a minor issue or obstacle that needs to be addressed. Example: "While reviewing the project, I noticed that there is a small difficulty with the data analysis section that we need to resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

4. Heinrich XI, of Greiz: 77 years, 103 days  (17 March 1723 to 17 March 1723) 5. Idris ibni Muhammad al-Qadri, of Tunku Besar of Tampin (Malaysia): 76 years, 239 days (31 May 1929 to 26 December 2005) There is a small difficulty around establishing al-Qadri's reign over the small region in Malaysia.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is a small catch.

The New York Times

There is a small pool.

The New York Times - Travel

There is a small electricity bill.

The New Yorker

There is a small but growing glossary.

The Economist

There is a small Shīʿite minority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a small garment-assembly sector.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there is a small inconvenience.

The Economist

There is a small people-texture industry.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is a small hospital on Norfolk Island.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Make sure there is a small platform!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is a small difficulty", ensure the context clarifies the nature and scope of the difficulty so the reader understands the issue's importance.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a small difficulty" when the problem is actually significant. Overstating or understating the severity can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a small difficulty" functions as an existential clause introducing a minor problem or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's typically used to acknowledge a slight issue without overstating its importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there is a small difficulty" serves as a polite and understated way to introduce a minor problem or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. With few examples found, the phrase appears to be used rarely, and occurs across contexts like news, encyclopedias and wikis. Use this phrase when you want to acknowledge an issue without causing alarm, and ensure your context clarifies the scope of the difficulty. Alternatives such as "a minor problem exists" or "a slight challenge arises" can be used for subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small issue is present

Uses "issue" instead of "difficulty" and "present" to indicate the problem is there.

a minor problem exists

Replaces "difficulty" with "problem" and uses the verb "exists" to convey the issue.

a small setback exists

Substitutes "difficulty" with "setback" to denote a minor impediment.

a minor complication is noted

Replaces "difficulty" with "complication" and uses "noted" to suggest observation of the issue.

a slight challenge arises

Substitutes "difficulty" with "challenge" and uses the verb "arises" to suggest the issue is appearing.

a small obstacle is seen

Replaces "difficulty" with "obstacle" to denote a small barrier that can be seen.

a slight snag is encountered

Uses "snag" to indicate a small problem that is encountered.

a slight impediment is present

Uses "impediment" instead of "difficulty" to convey a small obstacle.

a minor hiccup has occurred

Replaces "difficulty" with "hiccup" to convey a small, temporary setback.

there's a minor snag

Shortens the phrase while using "snag" to represent a small difficulty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "there is a small difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor problem exists", "a slight challenge arises", or "a small issue is present" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a minor problem or obstacle without exaggerating its importance. This phrase is suitable for situations where the issue is not critical and can be resolved without significant effort.

What is the difference between "there is a small difficulty" and "there is a major difficulty"?

The difference lies in the severity of the problem. "There is a small difficulty" indicates a minor issue, while "there is a major difficulty" suggests a significant and potentially problematic situation.

Is "there is a small difficulty" formal or informal?

The phrase is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "a minor issue is present" might be preferred in highly formal settings.