with great difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

'with great difficulty' is a correct phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happened with a great challenge or strain. For example, "She finished the task with great difficulty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

With great difficulty.

The New York Times

With great difficulty, at first.

The Economist

With great difficulty, which is the problem.

Independent

"I do my job with great difficulty.

Independent

"With great difficulty they had married me off," she said.

The New York Times

"Many of the force are coping with great difficulty.

The New York Times

People were very poor and lived with great difficulty.

The Guardian

"With love, patience, fortitude and with great difficulty.

The Guardian - Film

They can be replaced only with great difficulty and expense.

The New York Times

"Hospitals have been writing these bills off with great difficulty".

The New York Times

He was persuaded to reassume office only with great difficulty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. While "with great difficulty" is a useful phrase, consider alternatives like "with considerable effort" or "with much struggle" for stylistic diversity.

Common error

Avoid using "with great difficulty" when a simpler adverb like "slowly" or "carefully" would suffice. The phrase should highlight the struggle, not just the manner of action. For example, instead of saying "He walked with great difficulty because he was tired", consider "He walked slowly because he was tired" if the difficulty isn't the main point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with great difficulty" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing actions like "married me off", "arranging her treatment", and "managed to get them out of the city".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with great difficulty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that describes how an action is performed with significant challenges or effort. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English writing. As demonstrated by examples from news articles, encyclopedias, and other authoritative sources, the phrase serves to emphasize the laborious nature of an action, highlighting the struggles and obstacles involved. While it can be employed in various contexts, it is more commonly found in news and media, maintaining a neutral to formal register. To enhance writing, consider alternatives such as "with considerable effort" or "with much struggle" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with considerable effort

Emphasizes the amount of effort required, making it a more neutral alternative.

with much struggle

Highlights the struggle involved, suggesting a more arduous process.

against all odds

Implies overcoming significant obstacles, adding a sense of triumph.

with strenuous exertion

Focuses on the physical effort, suitable when the action involves physical labor.

laboriously

A single-word adverb emphasizing the laborious nature of the task.

with herculean effort

Suggests an immense and almost superhuman effort.

against a steep learning curve

Specifically applies to learning scenarios, emphasizing the difficulty of acquiring knowledge or skill.

barely managing to

Conveys a sense of just succeeding, emphasizing the narrow margin of success.

with toil and trouble

Evokes a sense of hard work and problems, adding an old-fashioned feel.

with teeth gritted

Focuses on the determination and inner resolve during the difficult action.

FAQs

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

You can use "with great difficulty" to describe how something was done when it involved significant challenges or effort. For example, "She solved the problem with great difficulty" indicates the problem was hard to solve.

What are some alternatives to "with great difficulty"?

Alternatives include "with considerable effort", "with much struggle", or "laboriously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "with great difficulty and effort"?

While not strictly redundant, it can be seen as repetitive. "Difficulty" already implies effort, so using just "with great difficulty" is often sufficient. However, the addition can emphasize the scale of the challenge.

Which is more appropriate, "with difficulty" or "with great difficulty"?

"With difficulty" indicates something was hard, but "with great difficulty" emphasizes that it was exceptionally challenging or involved a significant struggle. The choice depends on the degree of challenge you want to convey.