Trouble/problem/difficulty

Question

About the three below, what exactly is the difference in meaning?I had a problem doing it.I had trouble doing it.I had difficulty doing it.

RandomGuy · Accepted Answer

All three mean the same thing.

CalifJim · Answer

The meaning is the same. Only the register is different, and then only slightly.

From lowest to highest register: trouble, problem, difficulty.

CJ

Taka · Answer

OK. Thank you!

(Your word 'register' reminds me that I've asked a similar question before)

Anonymous · Answer

They mean basically the same thing but they are used differently.

1. This would typically be used by a man. The implication here is that he had a problem doing it but he solved the problem and did it. Men pride themselves of being able to solve problems.

2. This would typically be used by a woman. She eventually did it but had trouble doing it. A man would never admit he had trouble doing something.

3. This would typically be used by a woman. This implies even more trouble doing it than sentence 2. A man would never use the word "difficulty."

Khoff · Answer

Anonymous1. This would typically be used by a man. The implication here is that he had a problem doing it but he solved the problem and did it. Men pride themselves of being able to solve problems.2. This would typically be used by a woman. She eventually did it but had trouble doing it. A man would never admit he had trouble doing something.3. This would typically be used by a woman. This implies even more trouble doing it than sentence 2. A man would never use the word "difficulty."

This whole analysis seems really bizarre to me. It would never occur to me that there was any difference between men and women in using any of these words. I would agree that culturally some men are less likely to admit having problems/troubles/difficulties than some women are, but I don't think that correlates with word choice. I have been married to a man for thirty years, and I'm pretty sure he has sometimes admitted having trouble doing something, as well as at least occasionally using the word "difficulty."

Enoon · Answer

AnonymousThey mean basically the same thing but they are used differently.1. This would typically be used by a man. The implication here is that he had a problem doing it but he solved the problem and did it. Men pride themselves of being able to solve problems.2. This would typically be used by a woman. She eventually did it but had trouble doing it. A man would never admit he had trouble doing something.3. This would typically be used by a woman. This implies even more trouble doing it than sentence 2. A man would never use the word "difficulty."

You can't be serious.

Trouble/problem/difficulty

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