Have a hard time/ difficulty doing sth
Can you tell me what's the difference between the two phrases? Thank you!

E.g. International students could have a hard time/difficulty communicating with their professors

Question

Have a hard time/ difficulty doing sth
Can you tell me what's the difference between the two phrases?  Thank you!

E.g. International students could have a hard time/difficulty communicating with their professors

Answer

Both phrases say essentially the same thing. The only thing is that we would not say "a difficulty." We might say "I'm having difficulty/difficulties" or get the best of both worlds with "I'm having a difficult time."

Answer

They mean the same thing.  Another example: I am having a hard time learning Chinese = I am having difficulty learning Chinese.  You can also say "I had a difficult time" doing something -- I am having a difficult time learning Chinese.

Answer

Thank you!

Answer

They mean the same thing, but if you say "difficulty" it will sound a little more mature than "a hard time." However, both phrases are completely acceptable and natural.

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