while acknowledging the difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while acknowledging the difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to recognize or admit that a situation or task is challenging while discussing it further. Example: "While acknowledging the difficulty of the project, we must also consider the potential benefits it could bring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Thompson expressed interest in talking, while acknowledging the difficulty of the deal.

The New York Times

While acknowledging the difficulty of the president's assignment, as well as your own struggles in this arena, it is soothing and clarifying to use history, particularly ancient history, as a reality check.

The New York Times

While acknowledging the difficulty of conveying the "perpetual giggle" of Akaky Akakievich Bashmachkin's name in any language other than Gogol's Russian, Thirlwell insists that translation is possible and, to that end, offers his own version of Nabokov's "Mademoiselle O," evoking the story's trilingual origins in fittingly verdant prose.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But others, while acknowledging the difficulties and the many remaining unknowns about this new disease, still hold out hope.

The New York Times

While acknowledging the difficulties of enacting such models when developing Web-based courses, I present strategies for adopting a user-centered design paradigm in distance learning.

Computers and Composition

For his part, Dennis speaks glowingly of the support offered by his team, while acknowledging the difficulties caused by the Games.

The Guardian - Sport

While acknowledging the difficulties, Ms. Jackson said, "We shouldn't be as a country moving away from thinking about big hard problems".

The New York Times

President Bush, who was briefed on the new intelligence estimate, has not significantly changed the tenor of his public remarks on the war's course over the summer, consistently emphasizing progress while acknowledging the difficulties.

The New York Times

On Sunday, the Obama administration celebrated its successes in combating the recession, while acknowledging the difficulties that remain: while the corporate economy has rebounded strongly, the middle class and its aspirants continue to feel the squeeze of high unemployment and sluggish wage growth.

The New York Times

This was while acknowledging the difficulties of leading a team ranked 155th in the world by Fifa into its maiden Nations Cup.

BBC

While acknowledging the difficulties, it is important to recognise the valuable contribution which GPs and other health professionals can make in helping patients to change their lifestyle [ 43- 45].

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while acknowledging the difficulty" to introduce a balanced perspective, recognizing potential challenges before presenting solutions or positive aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "while acknowledging the difficulty" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while acknowledging the difficulty" functions as a concessive conjunction, introducing a clause that recognizes a potential problem or challenge. This prepares the reader for a balanced perspective, often followed by a contrasting viewpoint or action as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"While acknowledging the difficulty" is a useful phrase for recognizing challenges while maintaining a balanced perspective. Ludwig's analysis shows that it is grammatically correct and most often used in news and media and scientific contexts. Though a versatile phrase, it's essential to be mindful of overuse and consider alternative expressions to maintain writing dynamism. This approach is particularly useful to address counterarguments in a rational and professional way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while understanding the challenge

Focuses on comprehension of the difficulty, rather than simply acknowledging its existence.

despite recognizing the challenge

Emphasizes overcoming the difficulty, shifting the focus to the subsequent action or result.

in spite of recognizing the difficulty

Similar to "despite", emphasizing the action taken regardless of the difficulty.

with an awareness of the challenges

Focuses on the foreknowledge of difficulties

even with the recognized difficulty

Highlights that the difficulty is known and factored in, often implying resilience or determination.

admitting the inherent challenges

Highlights that the difficulties are a natural or intrinsic part of the situation.

notwithstanding the acknowledged difficulty

A more formal way to concede the difficulty, often used in legal or official contexts.

conceding the presence of difficulties

A more formal and direct admission of difficulties, often used in debates or discussions.

appreciating the degree of difficulty

Highlights the complexity or intensity of the task

accepting the level of difficulty

Focuses on embracing and being content with the level of difficulty

FAQs

How can I use "while acknowledging the difficulty" in a sentence?

Use "while acknowledging the difficulty" to concede potential obstacles before discussing plans or progress, like "While acknowledging the difficulty of the project, we remain committed to its successful completion."

What are some alternatives to "while acknowledging the difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "despite recognizing the challenge", "even with the recognized difficulty", or "notwithstanding the acknowledged difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "while acknowledging the difficulty" or "despite the difficulty"?

Both are correct, but "while acknowledging the difficulty" introduces a concession before moving forward, whereas "despite the difficulty" directly contrasts the difficulty with the action taken.

How formal is the phrase "while acknowledging the difficulty"?

The phrase "while acknowledging the difficulty" is generally considered neutral to formal and appropriate for various writing contexts, including news reporting, academic papers, and professional communications. More informal alternatives exist, but may sacrifice clarity or precision.