what the difficulty was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what the difficulty was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing or inquiring about the nature or specifics of a problem or challenge someone faced. Example: "After reviewing the project, I finally understood what the difficulty was in meeting the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 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

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 was", ensure the context clearly establishes what situation or task the difficulty refers to. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "what the difficulty was" in overly general contexts without specifying the subject. The phrase implies a specific, identifiable problem; vague usage diminishes its impact and can confuse the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what the difficulty was" functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire about the nature of a past problem or challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. The examples show its use in contexts where clarification or understanding of a specific issue is sought.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what the difficulty was" is a grammatically correct phrase used to inquire about past challenges or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is well-suited for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While not overly formal, it conveys a clear and direct question about a specific issue. To enhance writing, ensure the context clarifies the situation to which the difficulty refers, avoiding vague usage. Alternatives like "what was the problem" can be used for simplicity, while more formal scenarios might benefit from options like "what the core challenge consisted of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what the problem was

Replaces 'difficulty' with the more general term 'problem'.

what the issue was

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'issue', indicating a point of concern or debate.

what the challenge was

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'challenge', suggesting a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.

what the snag was

Uses 'snag' instead of 'difficulty', implying a minor obstacle or setback.

what the impediment was

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'impediment', suggesting a hindrance or obstruction.

what the obstacle was

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'obstacle', emphasizing a barrier that needs to be overcome.

what the hiccup was

Uses 'hiccup' instead of 'difficulty', implying a temporary or minor disruption.

what the complication was

Replaces 'difficulty' with 'complication', suggesting something that makes a situation more complex.

what the setback was

Substitutes 'difficulty' with 'setback', indicating a reversal or delay in progress.

what the drawback was

Uses 'drawback' instead of 'difficulty', implying a disadvantage or negative aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what the difficulty was" to sound more formal?

You can opt for phrases like "what the problem entailed", "what the core challenge consisted of", or "what the specific obstacles were" to convey a more formal tone.

Is "what the difficulty was" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "what the difficulty was" might be considered too informal for certain academic contexts. Consider using more precise and technical language depending on your field.

What's a simpler alternative to "what the difficulty was"?

Alternatives such as "what was the problem", "what was the issue", or "what happened" offer simpler ways to inquire about a past difficulty.

How does "what the difficulty was" differ from "what the difficulties are"?

"What the difficulty was" refers to a specific problem in the past, while "what the difficulties are" refers to current or ongoing problems. The former is retrospective, the latter is present-focused.