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Peaceblinkfriend Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

"...difficulties (in) getting her ideas heard."

Would you say 'she had difficulties in getting her ideas heard' or 'she had difficulties getting her ideas heard' ?

Thank you

PBF
  

Top answer

The preposition is optional. However, I would prefer difficulty: She had difficulty [in] getting her ideas heard. CB

— Cool Breeze

  • The preposition is optional.
  • However, I would prefer difficulty: She had difficulty [in] getting her ideas heard.
  • CB
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6 Answers
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The preposition is optional. However, I would prefer difficulty: She had difficulty [in] getting her ideas heard.

CB
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Thank you for replying, Cool Breeze.

Just wondering. I know this is probably just a matter of personal preference but what might be the reason why you would prefer difficulty to difficulties?

Thanks again

PBF
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PeaceblinkfriendJust wondering. I know this is probably just a matter of personal preference but what might be the reason why you would prefer difficulty to difficulties?

I just think the singular is usually used. (I hope I'm right!
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It could go either way.

She was shy.

There was a boisterous person in the room who monopolized the conversation.

There was another person who was determined to undermine her.

Those would be "difficulties."

How about this: When she first joined the team, she found it difficult to make her ideas heard.
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PeaceblinkfriendWould you say 'she had difficulties in getting her ideas heard' or 'she had difficulties getting her ideas heard' ?
Personally, I would say difficulties getting. Why waste words?
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Happy New Year! and thanks for all your replies.

Emotion: smile Yes, GG. That's the sentence I was drawing on. I thought I should start
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