Grammar fix
run up against
encounter (unexpected) difficulty or opposition
to suddenly face a problem, difficulty, or resistance, especially when you did not expect it.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We ran up against several unexpected issues when launching the new software.
In my experience, students often run up against difficulties when adapting to a new education system, especially if the teaching style is very different from what they're used to.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: We ran up against with a few problems.
Say: We ran up against a few problems.
'Run up against' takes the object directly — no 'with'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Run up against' is the natural verb for hitting unexpected resistance; 'encountered considerable opposition' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
run up against + obstacle
- opposition
- a problem
- resistance
- a deadline