a daunting issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a daunting issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem or challenge that seems intimidating or difficult to tackle. Example: "The team faced a daunting issue when trying to meet the tight deadline for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There were times during the jury selection process when illegal immigration did not seem to be such a daunting issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These are all daunting issues.

Huffington Post

Perhaps the most daunting issue facing the authority involves the Harold Interlocking, a dense area of tracks in Sunnyside, where a complex system of signals and switches governs the movement of about 800 trains that pass through the area each day on their way to distant destinations.

The New York Times

My colleague Bettina Wassener has written extensively about the daunting issue and some of the initial efforts at remediation.

The New York Times

Though HealthCare.gov proved to be the most daunting issue he faced from the podium, Carney also called it the most rewarding.

Huffington Post

In the final day of their spring legislative session, Illinois state lawmakers approved a state budget plan and sent gambling expansion and strip club tax bills to the governor's desk -- and allowed the daunting issue of pension reform to collapse in the eleventh hour.

Huffington Post

"Toshiba is still facing a number of daunting issues, such as what to do with its unprofitable PC and TV businesses," said Hiroyasu Nishikawa, a senior analyst at IwaiCosmo Securities Company, adding that the accounting troubles would drag on because of shareholder lawsuits.

The New York Times

Suggesting ways to "maintain the excellence" of those institutions is the university study committee's task, an important component of which must be confronting the daunting issues raised in Gelhaus's presentation.

Science Magazine

"We realize there could be some daunting issues," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Investors are expecting Mr. Miller to address two daunting issues.

The New York Times

But technology remains one of the most daunting issues for parents and students who are preparing for college.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a daunting issue", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the issue is perceived as intimidating or difficult. Provide specific details to illustrate the scope and potential impact of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a daunting issue" for minor problems or inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely present significant challenges or obstacles. Do not overuse the phrase; instead, try to look for synonyms and alternative expressions to keep your writing fresh.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a daunting issue" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It serves to identify and characterize a particular problem or challenge as intimidating or seemingly insurmountable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a daunting issue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a problem or challenge that appears intimidating or difficult to overcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and useful phrase. It is frequently found in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly explains why the issue is considered daunting. While versatile, avoid overusing the phrase by considering synonyms such as “a challenging problem” or “a formidable obstacle”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging problem

Replaces "daunting" with "challenging", focusing on the difficulty that requires effort to overcome.

a substantial challenge

Highlights the magnitude of the challenge presented by the issue.

a formidable obstacle

Substitutes "issue" with "obstacle", emphasizing the aspect of something that blocks progress.

a significant hurdle

Replaces "daunting" and "issue" focusing on importance and an action of overcoming. It stresses the need to overcome for achieving a particular goal.

a tough predicament

Replaces "daunting" and "issue" focusing on complexity and difficulty to navigate.

a serious difficulty

Emphasizes the severity of the problem, rather than its intimidating nature.

a complex matter

Highlights the intricate nature of the issue, suggesting it requires careful consideration.

a grave concern

Focuses on the worrying aspect of the issue, implying potential negative consequences.

a major undertaking

Shifts the focus to the effort and resources required to address the issue.

a knotty question

Emphasizes the complexity and difficulty in resolving the issue, suggesting it is a puzzle.

FAQs

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

You can use "a daunting issue" to describe a problem or challenge that appears intimidating or difficult to overcome. For example: "Climate change presents "a daunting issue" for future generations."

What are some alternatives to saying "a daunting issue"?

Some alternatives include "a challenging problem", "a formidable obstacle", or "a significant hurdle". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a daunting issue"?

Use "a daunting issue" when you want to emphasize the challenging and potentially overwhelming nature of a problem. It's suitable when the issue requires significant effort, resources, or expertise to address.

What makes an issue "daunting"?

An issue is "daunting" when it appears difficult to solve due to its complexity, scope, or potential consequences. It often involves uncertainty and requires considerable effort to understand and address effectively.