The phrase “Have Difficulty In + Gerund” is a common structure in English that expresses challenges or obstacles in performing an action. This grammatical construction frequently appears in IELTS exams, making it crucial for test-takers to understand and use it effectively. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to apply it in various IELTS contexts.
Understanding the Structure and Its Significance in IELTS
The phrase “have difficulty in + gerund” is composed of three main elements:
- “Have difficulty” – indicating a problem or challenge
- “In” – a preposition connecting the difficulty to the action
- Gerund – the “-ing” form of a verb, representing the action that is challenging
This structure appears regularly in IELTS reading passages, listening scripts, and can be effectively used in speaking and writing tasks to express challenges or obstacles.
Examples:
- Many students have difficulty in understanding complex scientific concepts.
- Immigrants often have difficulty in adapting to a new culture.
- Some elderly people have difficulty in using modern technology.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Grammar Formula and Analysis
The basic formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + have/has difficulty + in + [verb+ing]
It’s important to note that the structure can be modified in several ways:
-
Tense variations:
- Present: I have difficulty in speaking English fluently.
- Past: She had difficulty in completing the assignment on time.
- Present Perfect: They have had difficulty in finding a suitable candidate.
-
Degree of difficulty:
- Some/Little: He has some difficulty in pronouncing certain words.
- Great/Much: They have great difficulty in understanding the local dialect.
-
Alternative phrases:
- Have trouble in
- Find it difficult to
- Struggle with
Analyzing these variations can help IELTS candidates use the structure more flexibly and accurately in their responses.
Application in IELTS Writing and Speaking
IELTS Writing Task 2 Example:
Question: Some people believe that learning a foreign language is essential in today’s globalized world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample paragraph:
While learning a foreign language is undoubtedly beneficial, many individuals have difficulty in mastering a new language due to various factors. For instance, adults often have great difficulty in acquiring proper pronunciation and intonation compared to children. Moreover, people with limited exposure to native speakers may have trouble in developing natural conversational skills. Despite these challenges, I believe the benefits of language learning outweigh the difficulties, as it enhances cultural understanding and career opportunities.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Example:
Cue Card: Describe a skill that you found difficult to learn. You should say:
- What the skill was
- Why you wanted to learn it
- Why it was difficult
- And explain how you felt when you finally learned it
Sample response:
I’d like to talk about my experience learning to play the guitar. I’ve always been passionate about music, and I wanted to be able to play my favorite songs. However, I had significant difficulty in mastering the basic chords and finger positions.
The main reason I had trouble in learning was the complexity of coordinating both hands simultaneously. I found it particularly challenging to transition smoothly between chords while maintaining a steady rhythm. Additionally, I had difficulty in developing calluses on my fingertips, which made prolonged practice sessions uncomfortable.
Despite these obstacles, I persevered, and after months of practice, I finally managed to play a complete song. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, and I felt incredibly proud of overcoming the challenges I had faced.
Strategies for Achieving Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, candidates should aim to use this structure accurately and with variation. Here’s how the usage might differ across band scores:
-
Band 5-6: Basic use of the structure with some errors
Example: “I have difficulty to speak English.” (Incorrect use of infinitive) -
Band 7: Correct use with some variation
Example: “Many students have difficulty in grasping advanced mathematical concepts.” -
Band 8-9: Sophisticated use with a range of variations and alternatives
Example: “Research indicates that a significant proportion of adult learners encounter substantial difficulty in acquiring a second language, particularly in terms of achieving native-like proficiency in pronunciation and idiomatic expressions.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Using infinitive instead of gerund:
Incorrect: I have difficulty to understand the lecture.
Correct: I have difficulty in understanding the lecture. -
Omitting “in”:
Incorrect: She has difficulty learning new vocabulary.
Correct: She has difficulty in learning new vocabulary. -
Using the wrong tense:
Incorrect: He had difficulty in speaks English when he first moved abroad.
Correct: He had difficulty in speaking English when he first moved abroad. -
Incorrect word order:
Incorrect: They difficulty have in adapting to the new system.
Correct: They have difficulty in adapting to the new system.
To avoid these mistakes, practice using the structure in various contexts and review your writing carefully. Consider using alternative phrases like “find it challenging to” or “struggle with” to add variety to your language.
Conclusion
Mastering the “have difficulty in + gerund” structure is essential for IELTS success. By understanding its grammar, practicing its application in various contexts, and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively express challenges and obstacles in your IELTS responses. Remember to use this structure alongside other advanced grammatical constructions to demonstrate your language proficiency. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, focus on incorporating this phrase naturally into your writing and speaking practice to enhance your overall performance.
To further improve your IELTS skills, you might want to explore other challenging aspects of the English language, such as how to build resilience in difficult situations or tips for effective communication in relationships. These topics can provide valuable vocabulary and context for using complex grammatical structures in your IELTS responses.
