a central challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a primary or significant difficulty or obstacle in a particular context or situation. Example: "Addressing climate change is a central challenge that requires global cooperation and innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A central challenge during the data analysis process has been managing seasonality effects.

Cornell University

Water scarcity is a central challenge of the twenty-first century.

Yale University

A central challenge in relation extraction is the lack of supervised training data.

Stanford University

Seeds of Sustainability tackles a central challenge of sustainable development: agricultural modernization.

Stanford University

A central challenge is the extent of Kurdish power and independence.

The New York Times

A central challenge of "Duplicity," in Gilroy's estimation, is its humorous tone.

The New Yorker

This, he said, would be a central challenge for him as president.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dealing with a rising China will be a central challenge for the next American president.

The New York Times

By extension, it is also a central challenge for developed economies.

Harvard Business Review

It cuts to the heart of a central challenge facing researchers in many areas of science.

Nature

That's emerging as a central challenge of the Democratic presidential primary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a central challenge", ensure it genuinely represents a core difficulty. Avoid overusing the phrase for minor issues to maintain its impact and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a central challenge" to describe minor inconveniences or easily solvable problems. Reserve it for genuinely significant and complex issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central challenge" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a primary difficulty or obstacle. It serves to introduce and frame a problem that requires attention and effort to overcome, as demonstrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

30%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central challenge" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant obstacle or difficulty across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in academic, scientific, news, and professional contexts. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects the magnitude of the issue at hand. Alternatives like "a key obstacle" or "a major hurdle" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Use this phrase judiciously to emphasize the importance of the problem you are addressing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A key obstacle

Focuses on the obstructive nature of the challenge, highlighting its role in hindering progress.

A major hurdle

Emphasizes the difficulty in overcoming the challenge, suggesting a significant barrier.

A primary difficulty

Highlights that the difficulty is of utmost importance and needs immediate attention.

A core problem

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the issue, indicating it's a root cause of other problems.

A significant impediment

Underscores the hindering effect of the challenge, implying a considerable obstruction to progress.

A critical issue

Highlights the importance and urgency of the challenge, stressing the need for immediate action.

A fundamental obstacle

Emphasizes that the obstacle lies at the base of the issue.

A principal concern

Shifts focus to the anxiety and worry associated with the challenge, emphasizing its importance.

A major stumbling block

Suggests that the challenge is likely to cause failure or prevent progress.

A chief difficulty

Highlights the hierarchical importance of the difficulty, indicating it's the most significant.

FAQs

How can I use "a central challenge" in a sentence?

Use "a central challenge" to introduce a significant obstacle or difficulty. For instance, "A central challenge is the lack of funding for this project."

What are some alternatives to "a central challenge"?

You can use alternatives such as "a key obstacle", "a major hurdle", or "a primary difficulty" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a central challenge" in formal writing?

Yes, "a central challenge" is appropriate for formal writing. It is often used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to highlight significant difficulties.

What's the difference between "a central challenge" and "a secondary challenge"?

"A central challenge" refers to a primary and significant difficulty, while "a secondary challenge" indicates a less important or subordinate difficulty.