Eu tenho dificuldade em estudar.

I have difficulty studying.

Breakdown of Eu tenho dificuldade em estudar.

• eu: I
• ter: to have
• estudar: to study
• em: in
• a dificuldade: the difficulty

Questions & Answers about Eu tenho dificuldade em estudar.

Why is the verb estudar in its infinitive form instead of being conjugated?

In Portuguese, after expressions like ter dificuldade em, the verb that follows is used in the infinitive form. This construction indicates that the difficulty pertains to the general action of studying rather than to a specific instance or tense.

What function does the preposition em serve in this sentence?

The preposition em links the noun dificuldade (difficulty) to the activity estudar (studying). This is a fixed collocation in Portuguese—much like saying "difficulty in/with" in English—that specifies the area in which the difficulty occurs.

Why is dificuldade used in the singular form rather than the plural dificuldades?

Using the singular dificuldade conveys a general or overarching challenge with studying. If you were emphasizing several distinct challenges, you might use dificuldades; however, the singular is typical when referring to an overall difficulty with an activity.

Can this sentence be rephrased while keeping the same meaning?

Yes, there are several alternatives. For example, you could say "Estudar é difícil para mim" (Studying is difficult for me) or "Tenho problemas para estudar" (I have problems studying). Each variation has its own nuance, but all express a struggle with the act of studying.

Is the sentence "Eu tenho dificuldade em estudar" appropriate in both formal and informal contexts?

Absolutely. The sentence is neutral in tone and widely acceptable in everyday conversation as well as formal contexts. Its structure and vocabulary are standard, making it suitable for a variety of situations.