work through a difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work through a difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of overcoming challenges or obstacles in various contexts, such as personal struggles, academic issues, or professional tasks. Example: "Despite the setbacks, we need to work through a difficulty to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We wrote back describing our circumstances and that we are trying to work through a financial difficulty.

Huffington Post

• Having inconvenienced viewers by using the eight Thursday and Saturday night games to build its network, the N.F.L. should work through any difficulty inherent in signing up local stations in the participating teams' areas of strong natural interest.

The New York Times

"We have to work through this difficulty," said Arancha Gonzalez, a trade spokeswoman for the European Commission.

Los Angeles Times

"I have my opinion," he told ABC. "But I think the opinion of people here in South Carolina and having them work through this difficulty is much more important than politicising it".

The Guardian

They have someone to check in on them, encourage them to go to classes and help them work through whatever difficulty they may be experiencing.

Huffington Post

Not being able to "work through" a stage was considered a sign of psychological difficulty and therapists were encouraged to help people pass through each of the "phases".

The Guardian

It could appeal to owners of fleets of vehicles and to early adopter customers who are willing to work through the difficulties that will inevitably accompany a new transportation system.

The New York Times - Tech

There will always be trials and tribulations in a relationship, but when you face difficulties with an open mind and actively work through the difficulties, the trust in your relationship will grow stronger.

WikiHow

The top contestants are given just 15 minutes to work through grids of difficulty ranging from medium to insanely hard, but all will finish with time to spare.

Princeton University

"But we're here to work through the difficulties.

The New York Times

Mr. Mallon said they look for companies that have the financial staying power, reflected in solid balance sheets, to work through their difficulties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work through a difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates the process of addressing and resolving a specific challenge, not just acknowledging its existence.

Common error

Avoid using "work through a difficulty" when simply describing a difficult situation without implying active effort to resolve it. Instead, use it when highlighting the steps taken to overcome the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work through a difficulty" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of actively addressing and resolving a challenging or problematic situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in contexts ranging from financial hardships to technical issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work through a difficulty" effectively describes the active process of resolving challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, suitable for diverse contexts ranging from personal struggles to professional hurdles. While alternatives like "resolve a problem" or "overcome an obstacle" exist, "work through a difficulty" emphasizes the procedural aspect of problem-solving. Remember to use the phrase when highlighting the active effort to resolve a challenge and not only when describing difficult situations. This phrase is commonly found in news media, wikis, and scientific literature, highlighting its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve a problem

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific problem.

overcome an obstacle

Emphasizes conquering a barrier or impediment.

address a challenge

Suggests tackling a difficult situation head-on.

navigate a hardship

Implies carefully maneuvering through a period of difficulty.

tackle an issue

Suggests dealing with a specific matter or concern.

manage a setback

Focuses on controlling and minimizing the impact of a negative event.

confront an adversity

Highlights facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

grapple with a predicament

Suggests struggling or wrestling with a challenging situation.

iron out a snag

Implies resolving a minor difficulty or unexpected problem.

sort out a complication

Suggests resolving a complex or intricate difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "work through a difficulty" in a sentence?

Use "work through a difficulty" to describe the process of actively addressing and resolving a challenging situation, such as "We need to "work through a difficulty" to achieve our goals".

What are some alternatives to "work through a difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve a problem", "overcome an obstacle", or "address a challenge" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "work through a difficulty" or "overcome a difficulty"?

"Work through a difficulty" emphasizes the process and effort involved in resolving a challenge, while "overcome a difficulty" focuses more on the successful result.

What's the difference between "work through a difficulty" and "face a difficulty"?

"Work through a difficulty" implies actively trying to solve or manage the problem, whereas "face a difficulty" simply means acknowledging and confronting the challenge.