we have difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we have difficulty' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a challenge or problem that someone or something is facing. For example: "We have difficulty agreeing on how to allocate our time between work and leisure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Q: We have difficulty understanding the Affair Monica.

The New York Times

"We have difficulty finding the right ideas to finance".

The New York Times

We have difficulty taking anything at face value.

The New York Times

In social science, we have difficulty dealing with complex systems and non-linear causal chains.

The Washington Post

There is a crisis of European identity; we have difficulty finding these common denominators.

The Guardian

Because often what really matters to us humans is stuff that we have difficulty articulating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even when we know a particular anchor should not affect our judgment, we have difficulty resisting its influence.

Harvard University

"The reason we have difficulty establishing a peer review system has to do with a kind of an Asian culture.

The New York Times

"We wind up with all of this wonderful data but we have difficulty putting it together," Ms. Finkel-Greene said.

The New York Times

The thousands of distinct bacterial strains that normally inhabit this challenging but nutrient-rich niche have adapted to it so well that we have difficulty living without them.

Stanford University

We love the serendipitous mix of cultures, neighborhoods and people, but we have difficulty explaining to friends who've never been there what makes the city so fascinating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates who the 'we' refers to, and what specific challenge is being faced.

Common error

Avoid using "we have difficulty" without clearly defining who "we" represents. Ensure your audience knows exactly which group or entity is experiencing the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have difficulty" functions as a declarative statement expressing a challenge or problem faced by a group. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to convey a sense of struggle or impediment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we have difficulty" is a common and grammatically correct way to express challenges or problems faced by a group. According to Ludwig AI, it’s perfectly acceptable for use in written English. Analysis of various sources shows it's frequently used in news, academic writing, and scientific publications, maintaining a neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure your audience understands who "we" refers to and the specific nature of the difficulty. Consider alternatives like "we are struggling" or "we are having trouble" for nuanced expression. In short, "we have difficulty" is a versatile phrase, suitable for various contexts when used with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are experiencing difficulties

A more formal way of stating that problems are occurring.

we are having trouble

A more informal way of expressing difficulty.

we are struggling

This suggests a more active and ongoing effort to overcome a problem.

we are finding it challenging

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the task or situation.

we are finding it hard

A simpler way to express that something is not easy.

we are facing obstacles

Highlights the presence of specific barriers hindering progress.

we are encountering problems

Focuses on the emergence of issues that need to be resolved.

we are challenged by

Implies that something presents a significant test or demand.

we are unable to

Indicates a lack of capability or means to do something.

we are not able to

Indicates a lack of ability to perform a specific action.

FAQs

How can I use "we have difficulty" in a sentence?

Use "we have difficulty" to express a challenge or problem that a group is facing. For example, "We have difficulty agreeing on how to allocate our budget."

What can I say instead of "we have difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "we are struggling", "we are having trouble", or "we are experiencing difficulties" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we have difficulty"?

Yes, "we have difficulty" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "we have difficulty" and "we have a difficulty"?

"We have difficulty" is generally used to express a general challenge, while "we have a difficulty" implies a specific instance or type of problem. The former is more common.