with difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is done with effort or struggle. Example: "She completed the marathon with difficulty, but she felt a great sense of accomplishment afterward."

✓ Grammatically correct

Describes actions performed with effort

Indicates challenging situations

Expresses a degree of struggle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With difficulty.

The New York Times - Arts

HENDRIK HERTZBERG: With difficulty.

The New Yorker

With difficulty, suggests McIlroy.

Independent

She walks with difficulty, too.

The New York Times

The answer is: with difficulty.

Independent

He checked him with difficulty.

The New York Times

Bisher rises with difficulty.

The Guardian

This lesson was sometimes communicated with difficulty.

The New York Times

I tracked him down with difficulty.

The New York Times

He grinned, and replied, "Ah, with difficulty".

The New Yorker

Then Violetta, with difficulty, writes to Alfredo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "with difficulty" with more descriptive synonyms like "laboriously" or "painstakingly" to avoid repetition and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "with difficulty" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "The problem was solved with difficulty", opt for an active voice: "She solved the problem with difficulty".

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "with difficulty" primarily functions to modify a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action was carried out with considerable effort or struggle. Ludwig examples show it describing walking, breathing, or completing tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with difficulty" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial phrase used to describe actions performed with notable effort or struggle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's very common across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and it effectively conveys the degree of effort required to achieve something. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like ""with great effort"" or ""laboriously"" for variety, and avoid overly passive constructions when using the phrase. Remember that while "with difficulty" is generally appropriate for formal writing, be mindful of your audience and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its prevalent usage and clear meaning make "with difficulty" a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with great effort

Emphasizes the amount of effort expended.

with much struggle

Highlights the struggle involved in the process.

with considerable trouble

Focuses on the trouble encountered.

laboriously

Implies a slow and arduous process.

arduous

Describes the difficulty of task.

painstakingly

Implies a careful and detailed approach despite difficulty.

against the odds

Highlights overcoming unfavorable circumstances.

through hardship

Focuses on enduring hardship.

with herculean effort

Emphasizes immense effort, referencing the mythological hero Hercules.

barely

Indicates achieving something by a very small margin.

FAQs

How can I use "with difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "with difficulty" to describe how an action was performed, such as "He walked "with difficulty" after the injury" or "She managed to finish the project "with difficulty" because of the tight deadline".

What are some alternatives to "with difficulty"?

Some alternatives to "with difficulty" include "with great effort", "laboriously", or "painstakingly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "with difficulty" or "with great difficulty"?

Both "with difficulty" and "with great difficulty" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "With great difficulty" simply emphasizes the degree of struggle more strongly than "with difficulty".

When is it appropriate to use "with difficulty" in formal writing?

"With difficulty" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to accurately describe a situation where effort or struggle was involved. It adds precision and can be more impactful than vague alternatives.