have a difficulty vs have difficulties

Both 'have a difficulty' and 'have difficulties' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Have a difficulty' is used when referring to a specific problem or issue, while 'have difficulties' is used when talking about facing challenges or problems in general.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 333 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a specific problem or issue.

"have a difficulty"

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize a particular challenge or problem that someone is experiencing.

Examples:

I have a difficulty understanding this concept.
She has a difficulty with public speaking.
He has a difficulty solving complex math problems.

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Colleagues, we appear to have a difficulty.
Most people have a difficulty using the suction cups, simply because they tend to break free after a little while.
In this regard we would like to have seen full decoupling of direct payments but appreciate that many Member States have a difficulty with this.
However, when it comes to recasting, we have a difficulty.
Some got blinded with their favorite strategy, others have a difficulty in understanding a tactic like position and others are too lenient in securing their blinds.
However, this is where I have a difficulty with the Commission: it wants to use the GDP of each state for its calculations, and I do not believe that that is adequate.
if you have a difficulty finding the hostel please give us one of our team will be happy to show you the way to the hostel.
I think that domestic mischief-making aside, we do have a difficulty across Scotland, and across the EU as a whole, in how our farmers perceive the transparency of enforcement, particularly of cross-compliance.
If I have a difficulty, or something I don't understand, I can call him on the phone: "Tell me, can I do this?"

Alternatives:

have an issue
have a problem
have a challenge
encounter a difficulty
face a problem

This phrase is correct when talking about facing challenges or problems in general.

"have difficulties"

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing multiple challenges or problems.

Examples:

She is having difficulties adjusting to the new job.
They have encountered difficulties in completing the project.
We are facing difficulties in reaching a consensus.

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We cannot have difficulties, since we have left all.
In general, SMEs have difficulties in obtaining funding.
Finally, as expected, Member States have difficulties to agree on the chapter on agriculture, due to the different positions concerning direct aid.
Common philodendrons, which in our houses have difficulties in surviving, tied to their mossy tutors here grow up at sight, suffocating the trunks.
Commissioner Kallas, we will continue to have difficulties in external policy.
Many viable businesses continue to have difficulties in accessing affordable credit from the banks.
Companies may have difficulties in finding finance in the current market circumstances.
In many cases academies or other associates have difficulties to finance research projects even with the help of European fund too.
In particular, newly listed companies or companies without a sufficient track record might have difficulties to estimate future share prices.
Member states who have difficulties with meeting air quality limit values should have the possibility to adopt more ambitious measures resulting in cleaner cars.
But for the first time, they begin to have difficulties finding new veins, their attitude should thus change on the way she produces.
This is often very costly, and claimants have difficulties in obtaining the data necessary to substantiate their claims.
However, subgroups of the population who avoid all foods of animal origin may have difficulties in meeting their protein requirements.
Presently regulatory bodies have difficulties getting the right information from infrastructure managers.
Dogs with urethral prolapse usually have difficulties urinating.
You may have difficulties at first.
We have difficulties; I need to secure these provisions.
But nearly all developing countries have difficulties in securing reliable revenue.
The ARGO programme is not sufficiently well-known to national administrations and they have difficulties in mobilising the necessary co-financing.

Alternatives:

encounter challenges
face problems
experience difficulties
struggle with issues
deal with problems

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have a difficulty vs have difficulties