too much difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too much difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing an excessive level of challenge or hardship. Example: "She faced too much difficulty in completing the project on time due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I can read without too much difficulty.

The Guardian - Books

Those reasons can be explained without too much difficulty.

The Guardian

Big, serial issuers like California wouldn't have too much difficulty adjusting to a taxable market.

The New York Times

Its current annual output of 2,000 tonnes could be increased without too much difficulty.

The Economist

(Some officials think the euro zone will weather a Grexit without too much difficulty).

The Economist

It is comprehensible without too much difficulty to a student of Romance languages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And if things worsen, cuts can be made without too much difficulty.

The New York Times

Be grateful if you are able to pay them without too much difficulty.

The Guardian

"We could easily be at a half-million without too much difficulty," he said.

The New York Times

The likes of Roman Polanski could get something like Chinatown made without too much difficulty.

The Guardian - Film

"People will learn to play it without too much difficulty," Termen predicted.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too much difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the difficulty and why it is considered excessive. Be specific about the source or nature of the challenge to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "too much difficulty" when simpler phrases like "some difficulty" or "a challenge" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the difficulty is genuinely substantial or unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too much difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a preposition (e.g., "without too much difficulty") or as a complement. It quantifies the level of challenge or effort required in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

5%

TechCrunch

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too much difficulty" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe situations with excessive challenges. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, scientific publications and encyclopedias, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly specifies the source and nature of the difficulty to maintain clarity. While the phrase is widely accepted, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in cases involving minor challenges. Using these guidelines will help you effectively use the phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive difficulty

Focuses on the degree of difficulty being beyond what is reasonable or manageable.

great hardship

Emphasizes the severity of the challenges faced, implying a burdensome experience.

considerable struggle

Highlights the effort and resistance involved in overcoming the difficulty.

undue complexity

Points to the difficulty arising from unnecessary complications.

extreme adversity

Suggests a situation of severe and prolonged difficulty.

major impediment

Indicates a significant obstacle causing difficulty.

formidable challenge

Focuses on the difficulty as a test of one's abilities or resources.

substantial obstruction

Highlights the hindering aspect of the difficulty.

unnecessary burden

Emphasizes that the difficulty is avoidable and creates an unwanted obligation.

intense tribulation

Suggests the difficulty is causing significant distress or suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "too much difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "too much difficulty" to describe a situation where something is excessively challenging. For example, "She faced "too much difficulty" in completing the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "too much difficulty"?

Alternatives include "excessive difficulty", "great hardship", or "considerable struggle", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "too much difficulty"?

While grammatically correct, using "too much difficulty" might be inappropriate if the situation only involves a minor challenge. Consider using milder terms in such cases.

What's the difference between "too much difficulty" and "undue complexity"?

"Too much difficulty" is a general term for excessive challenges, while "undue complexity" specifically refers to difficulty arising from unnecessary complications.