a daunting challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a daunting challenge' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an intimidating, difficult, or overwhelming situation or task. Example sentence: Successfully raising a large family is a daunting challenge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a daunting challenge.

The New York Times

This was a daunting challenge.

The New Yorker

It could prove a daunting challenge.

The New York Times

But it is still a daunting challenge.

The Economist

That is a daunting challenge.

The New York Times

It was a daunting challenge.

The New York Times

Alchemy faces a daunting challenge.

The New York Times

Their analyses outline a daunting challenge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Still, Apple faces a daunting challenge.

The New York Times

Colleagues, we have a daunting challenge.

The Guardian

So it was kind of a daunting challenge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a daunting challenge" to accurately describe a situation that presents significant difficulty and requires considerable effort to overcome. Ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and scope of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "a daunting challenge" when describing minor inconveniences or tasks that require minimal effort. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a daunting challenge" functions as a noun phrase, where 'daunting' acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun 'challenge'. It characterizes the challenge as intimidating or formidable. As Ludwig AI explains, it accurately describes a difficult or overwhelming situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a daunting challenge" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase effectively conveying the significant difficulty of a task. It is appropriate for neutral registers and appears most often in news, science, and academic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, accurately referring to intimidating or overwhelming situations. When using this phrase, ensure that the challenge genuinely warrants such a description to avoid diluting its impact. Consider related phrases like "a formidable task" or "an uphill battle" for nuanced variations. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the phrase's versatility and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formidable task

Highlights the potential for difficulty and the need for skill to overcome it.

a demanding endeavor

Emphasizes the high level of effort, skill, or resources required.

a tough proposition

Implies uncertainty about success and suggests that careful consideration is needed.

a considerable undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and resources required, focusing on the act of taking something on.

an uphill battle

Suggests a struggle against strong opposing forces or unfavorable conditions.

a major obstacle

Similar to 'significant hurdle' but may imply a more substantial impediment.

a significant hurdle

Focuses on the obstacle aspect, suggesting something that must be overcome to progress.

a Herculean effort

Refers to something that requires immense strength, courage or effort.

a taxing situation

Emphasizes the draining nature of the challenge, suggesting that it will deplete resources or energy.

a severe test

Highlights the testing nature of the challenge, implying that it will reveal strengths and weaknesses.

FAQs

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

You can use "a daunting challenge" to describe situations that are intimidating and require significant effort. For example, "Rehabilitating the old house turned out to be a daunting challenge".

What are some alternatives to "a daunting challenge"?

Alternatives include "a formidable task", "a tough proposition", or "an uphill battle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a daunting challenge"?

Use "a daunting challenge" when the task at hand truly seems overwhelming and presents significant obstacles. It's best suited for situations involving considerable effort and potential setbacks.

Is "a daunting challenge" the same as "a difficult task"?

While similar, "a daunting challenge" implies a higher degree of intimidation and potential difficulty than "a difficult task". A daunting challenge suggests a task that could be overwhelming.