what the difficulty is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what the difficulty is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify or inquire about the nature of a problem or challenge someone is facing. Example: "Can you explain what the difficulty is with the current project so we can address it effectively?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If the response is to enquire what the difficulty is because surely others just are thought to have what I have when I am in pain, we have Wittgenstein's famous rejoinder "But if I suppose that someone has a pain, then I am simply supposing that he has just the same as I have so often had".

SEP

In order to provide effective words of encouragement, you should first determine what the difficulty is.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She won't say what the difficulty was with the Wordsworth Trust, though she acknowledges the staff were generally helpful.

The Guardian - Books

Share with them what the difficulties are and suggest some practical ideas about what might help.

The Guardian

We are far from perfect, but as a sector we are very aware of what the difficulties are and what we still need to do to improve.

The Guardian

He is the man who was able to educate the others about the workings of Hatton Garden, where the alarms were, what the difficulties were and how best to go about it".

The Guardian

Ben Sprecher, the chief negotiator for the theaters and producers, said that the two groups had different views of what the difficulties were, but that they were working to resolve it.

The New York Times

It's just a question of finding out how we can work together, what the difficulties are, why some people object, and how can we find a solution.

Science Magazine

It is now accepted that what really mediates the difficulty is the search space (also called problem space) [3], [4].

Plosone

So the question is: what is dysfunctional sting?" The difficulty is defining "dysfunctional," since the sting that's dysfunctional for an individual is different from the sting that's dysfunctional for society.

The New York Times - Magazine

Republicans readily acknowledged that the difficulty is what is next.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what the difficulty is", ensure that the context clearly indicates that you are seeking to understand a specific problem or challenge. It is best used when you suspect there might be an issue and want more details.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "what the difficulty is" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "what's the problem?" or "what's wrong?" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what the difficulty is" functions as an interrogative clause, primarily used to inquire about the nature of a problem or challenge. It seeks clarification on the specific issue causing trouble, as demonstrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what the difficulty is" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative phrase employed to inquire about the specifics of a problem or challenge. Ludwig AI indicates that it is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and professional settings. While effective in eliciting detailed explanations, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives like "what's the problem?" are more appropriate. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what the challenge is

This alternative replaces "difficulty" with "challenge", suggesting a slightly more positive framing of the problem.

what the problem is

This alternative is a more direct and common way of asking about an issue.

what the issue is

This alternative is similar to "what the problem is", but can be used for less severe situations.

what the obstacle is

This alternative focuses on something that is blocking progress.

what the impediment is

Using "impediment" makes the phrase more formal and emphasizes a hindrance.

what the snag is

The word "snag" implies a small or unexpected difficulty.

what the setback is

Using "setback" implies a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

what the complication is

This alternative highlights the complex nature of the problem.

where the sticking point is

This alternative is more informal and suggests a point of disagreement or halt.

what the hitch is

This implies a minor or temporary problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what the difficulty is" in a simpler way?

You can use simpler alternatives like "what's the problem?", "what's wrong?", or "what's the issue?" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "what the difficulty is"?

It's appropriate in situations where you need to understand a specific problem or challenge in a detailed and formal manner, such as in professional or academic settings.

Is "what the difficulty is" more formal than "what's the problem"?

Yes, "what the difficulty is" tends to be more formal than "what's the problem". The latter is suitable for more casual conversations.

What are some similar phrases to "what the difficulty is" that I can use?

You can use phrases like "what the challenge is", "what the obstacle is", or "what the issue is" to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in tone.