a daunting thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a daunting thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is intimidating or overwhelming, often in the context of a challenge or task. Example: "Starting a new job can be a daunting thing for many people, especially if they are in a completely unfamiliar environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Film

Sports

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A little box can be a daunting thing.

The Guardian

It's a daunting thing to take part in that tradition, so I asked Bret to collaborate".

The Guardian - Arts

For an 18 year old that can be quite a daunting thing.

The Guardian

But it's so much, and it's such a daunting thing, so you never know what's going to happen.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a bit of a daunting thing, too, getting in the ring, one to one, like that".

The Guardian - Film

The enormity of the commitment required by marriage is a daunting thing, and it may be comforting to be reminded that generations have made it before - even if the modern contract of marriage, based upon the equality of partners, differs in drastic and fundamental ways from the contracts of the past.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It was a big, daunting thing that people had been asking me to do for years.

Independent

"They know how to look at the camera, they know how to perform to that large audience - because it's actually a really daunting thing to perform for 170 million people".

BBC

"It's an intimidating and daunting thing, particularly when your daughter gets lost among a sea of reporters and you have no idea how it's going to turn out," Mr. Huntsman said Friday at one of many points when he seemed to be thinking aloud.

The New York Times

"Sometimes the most daunting thing about riding a bike in New York is figuring out the best route to take.

TechCrunch

At the time, it was probably the most daunting thing you've ever been faced with, but it's a thrilling ride once you get going.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a daunting thing" when you want to convey that something seems intimidating or overwhelming, but without necessarily implying that it is impossible. It's best suited for situations where there's a mix of apprehension and potential.

Common error

Avoid using "a daunting thing" when the situation is genuinely impossible or overwhelmingly negative. This phrase implies some level of potential or possibility, so using it in hopeless contexts can sound inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a daunting thing" functions as a noun phrase, with "daunting" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "thing". According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and understandable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

2%

Film

1%

Education

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a daunting thing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something intimidating or overwhelming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While not exceptionally common, it effectively conveys a sense of challenge and potential difficulty. Consider alternatives like "a challenging endeavor" or "an intimidating prospect" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the situation isn't genuinely hopeless, as it implies a level of potential and possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intimidating prospect

Substitutes 'daunting' with 'intimidating' and 'thing' with 'prospect', highlighting the fear it inspires.

a major challenge

Directly states the 'thing' is a significant obstacle.

a challenging endeavor

Replaces 'thing' with 'endeavor' emphasizing the effort required.

a formidable task

Replaces 'daunting' with 'formidable' and 'thing' with 'task', focusing on the scale of the work.

a serious undertaking

Stresses the gravity and importance of the 'thing'.

a nerve-wracking experience

Highlights the anxiety and stress involved in the 'thing'.

a worrisome matter

Shifts the focus to the anxiety or concern the 'thing' causes.

a demanding responsibility

Emphasizes the high expectations and requirements of the 'thing'.

a tall order

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the difficulty of the 'thing'.

a complex situation

Focuses on the intricate and complicated nature of the 'thing'.

FAQs

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

You can use "a daunting thing" to describe a task, challenge, or situation that appears intimidating or overwhelming. For example: "Moving to a new country can be "a daunting thing", but it can also be an exciting adventure".

What are some alternatives to "a daunting thing"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging task", "an intimidating experience", or "a formidable challenge depending on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate when referring to something that seems difficult or intimidating at first glance, but that might still be possible to achieve with effort or preparation. It implies a mix of apprehension and potential.

Is "a daunting thing" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in news and media or general conversation.