under difficult conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

"under difficult conditions" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a set of circumstances that are challenging or difficult. For example: "The teacher was able to help her students achieve their goals, even under difficult conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're doing their jobs diligently and seriously under difficult conditions.

The New York Times

They survived under difficult conditions for long periods.

The Guardian

He explained that Iraqi officials work under difficult conditions.

The New York Times

The umpires did a good job under difficult conditions.

Independent

Winning under difficult conditions and keeping his cool on a difficult T.P.C. Sawgrass layout were impressive.

The New York Times - Sports

Detectives on the successful Nickell inquiry spent several days interviewing Napper under difficult conditions in Broadmoor.

The Guardian

"The umpires did a good job under difficult conditions," said the ICC chief executive, David Richardson.

The Guardian - Sport

"They admired how our pilots were able to fly Hueys under difficult conditions," said Brig.

The New York Times

Rather, the emerging story seems to be of a large number of people struggling to behave well under difficult conditions.

The New York Times

And despite its lack of experience, the all-Iraqi court has made solid progress under difficult conditions.

The Economist

But when you walk under difficult conditions, like climbing a mountain, then you realize you have to catch your breath.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under difficult conditions", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the conditions difficult. Be specific to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "under difficult conditions" without specifying what makes the conditions difficult. Provide context; otherwise, the phrase becomes a vague generality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under difficult conditions" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the circumstances under which an action occurs. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under difficult conditions" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes situations involving challenges or hardships. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. To improve clarity, specify what makes the conditions difficult. For alternative phrasing, consider in challenging circumstances or against the odds. When using this phrase, providing context is essential to prevent vagueness. Whether describing scientific research, news events, or personal achievements, "under difficult conditions" effectively conveys resilience in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in challenging circumstances

Replaces 'difficult conditions' with a slightly more general term.

in trying circumstances

Emphasizes the stressful nature of the situation.

in adverse circumstances

Highlights the unfavorable or negative aspect of the situation.

in unfavorable circumstances

Similar to 'adverse', focusing on the lack of support.

under challenging circumstances

Slightly more formal than 'in challenging circumstances'.

in tough conditions

More informal and direct.

in demanding circumstances

Highlights the high demands placed on those involved.

in harsh conditions

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the situation.

under pressure

Focuses on the stress and urgency of the situation.

against the odds

Highlights the improbability of success.

FAQs

How can I use "under difficult conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "under difficult conditions" to describe situations where tasks or actions are performed in challenging or adverse circumstances. For example, "The team completed the project "under difficult conditions", including a tight deadline and limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "under difficult conditions"?

Some alternatives include "in challenging circumstances", "in trying circumstances", or "against the odds", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in difficult conditions" or "under difficult conditions"?

Both "in difficult conditions" and ""under difficult conditions"" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

How does "under difficult conditions" differ from "in ideal conditions"?

"Under difficult conditions" describes situations where circumstances are challenging, whereas "in ideal conditions" refers to situations where circumstances are perfect or highly favorable. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of a spectrum.