a challenging group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a challenging group" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a group of people or individuals that present difficulties or require significant effort to work with or understand. Example: "Working with a challenging group can lead to innovative solutions, as diverse perspectives often spark creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

LSST also explained they were trying to aid a challenging group of people and that many of their students "were juggling social, domestic and professional commitments alongside their studies" and so attendance could be low.

The Guardian

Martínez has not shied from his ambition to win the Europa League, a prize with the bonus of a Champions League place from this season, and Baines admits qualification from a challenging group is not the limit of Everton's aims this season.

The Guardian - Sport

The former international has gained legendary status at home after qualifying for the finals and although the close bond and trust he enjoys with the players will count a great deal, his reputation as a fine tactician will be of more importance in a challenging group.

BBC

The Brazilian team has drawn a challenging group for the Rio Olympics, where they will face Sweden, China and South Africa in the initial round.

Huffington Post

Now Klinsmann and his team have two months to continue regrouping before opening play in June's Copa America, where they were drawn into a challenging group that includes Colombia, Paraguay and Costa Rica.

Los Angeles Times

Because of their size, modular structure, complicated evolution and similarity to type I FAS and other enzymes, PKS members are a challenging group of enzymes to identify and to classify.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

However, it goes without saying that this remains a very challenging group of patients, and using a dual mobility bearing seems to improve the risk of dislocation compared to historical treatment options but the risk is not entirely eliminated.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Preliminary investigations by the authors revealed a morphologically complex group of several species that are currently assigned to different genera (Archivesica, Phreagena, Akebiconcha), which makes them a very challenging group to study.

Plosone

In our experience, young adults were a particularly challenging group to recruit for this study.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Thus our randomised cohort represented a more "challenging" group of patients with hypertension.

British Medical Journal

The Grade II or 'Low Grade Gliomas' (LGGs) are a more challenging group that more frequently affects young adults.

Cancer Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a challenging group", consider specifying the nature of the challenge. This adds clarity and provides context. For example, "a challenging group of patients" or "a challenging group of students".

Common error

Avoid using "a challenging group" without providing any context or specific details about the nature of the challenge. This can make your writing vague and less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a challenging group" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific set of individuals or entities. The adjective "challenging" modifies the noun "group", indicating that the group presents difficulties or requires significant effort to manage or understand. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a challenging group" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a collection of individuals that present difficulties or require significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English and finds common usage in both scientific and news contexts. When using the phrase, provide specific details about the nature of the challenge for clarity. While variations like ""a difficult group"" or ""a demanding group"" can be used, the specific context will guide the most appropriate choice. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and always explain why the group is considered challenging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult group

Replaces "challenging" with a more straightforward synonym, focusing on the level of difficulty.

a demanding group

Emphasizes the high expectations and needs of the group.

a problematic group

Highlights the troubles or issues associated with the group.

a complex group

Focuses on the intricate nature and multifaceted aspects of the group.

a troublesome group

Emphasizes the potential for the group to cause problems or difficulties.

a testing group

Highlights that working with the group will require patience and resilience.

a taxing group

Emphasizes the draining and demanding nature of working with this group.

a trying group

Similar to "testing", but emphasizes the stressful nature of the group.

a rigorous group

Highlights the high standards and strict expectations of the group.

a formidable group

Emphasizes the group's strength, skill, or power that makes them challenging.

FAQs

How can I use "a challenging group" in a sentence?

You can use "a challenging group" to describe a set of individuals that present difficulties or require significant effort. For example: "The research focused on supporting "a challenging group" of students with learning disabilities".

What's a good alternative to "a challenging group"?

Alternatives include "a difficult group", "a demanding group", or "a complex group" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a challenging group" in formal writing?

Yes, "a challenging group" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing complex social or professional dynamics. Ensure the context clearly explains why the group is considered challenging.

What does it mean when someone describes a team as "a challenging group"?

It generally means the team presents unique difficulties due to factors such as diverse skill levels, conflicting personalities, or complex project requirements.