difficulty v.s. difficulties

[Lost_Soul]

Hi,

I have a little difficulty understanting the difference between "difficulty" and "difficulties" :). Could you tell me if my explanation below holds water, please?

[Mister Micawber]

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Yes, use 'difficulties' when there are clearly a number of them.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Torsten]

What about the expression "have a hard time doing something"? For example, you might say "I'm having a hard time solving this task".

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[Alan]

Hi,

Another use of 'difficulty' is used in an abstract sense in the singular 'in difficulty' where the suggestion is that something or somebody is running a risk and is in danger as in: A ship has been reported to be in difficulty off the east coast or Fred had to be pulled into the boat because he was clearly in difficulty half way through his channel swim.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Torsten]

Hi Alan,

Interestingly enough when it comes to finances somebody can be in 'financial difficulty' as well as in 'financial difficulties'. Is there a difference between both expressions?

Thanks,
Torsten

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