a difficult challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"a difficult challenge" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to talk about a difficult task or problem. For example: "Singing in front of a large audience was a difficult challenge for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a difficult challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

But this can be a difficult challenge.

The New York Times - Health

Mr Penley faces a difficult challenge.

The Economist

That's not a difficult challenge.

The New York Times

The engineers face a difficult challenge.

The New York Times - Science

"And that is a difficult challenge".

The New York Times

This is, at first blush, a difficult challenge to meet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That poses a difficult challenge for the ECB.

The Economist

A difficult challenge to moral realism is the "evolutionary challenge".

The New York Times

Removing him "will be a difficult challenge," Ms. Hubbard conceded.

The New York Times

Tied for 22nd place, Woods faced a difficult challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult challenge", ensure the context clearly defines the nature and scope of the challenge. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty of the challenge without providing adequate justification. Credibility is maintained through accurate portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult challenge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something that requires significant effort or skill to overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult challenge" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a demanding task or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility and acceptance. The phrase serves to inform about the effort and skill required, and related phrases, like "a tough challenge" or "a complex problem", offer nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the nature of the challenge, and avoid exaggeration. It is important that the language must be neutral for any writing genre.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tough challenge

Indicates that the challenge requires considerable effort and resilience.

a difficult problem

A more general term that describes a situation that is unwelcome or harmful and needs to be dealt with.

a problematic challenge

Highlights the issue of causing trouble or difficulties.

a difficult predicament

Focuses more on the problematic situation itself rather than the act of facing it.

a complex challenge

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the challenge.

a sticky challenge

Implies the challenge is troublesome and may be hard to get rid of.

a difficult competition

Specifically refers to challenges within a competitive context.

a delicate challenge

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential sensitivity or fragility.

a rugged challenge

Suggests the challenge is rough, uneven, and potentially dangerous.

a difficult threat

Frames the challenge as something potentially harmful or dangerous.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult challenge" to describe a task or situation that requires significant effort and skill to overcome. For example, "Completing the project on time was "a difficult challenge", but the team succeeded".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a difficult challenge"?

Some alternatives include "a tough challenge", "a complex problem", or "a demanding task". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "difficult challenge" or "tough challenge"?

Both "difficult challenge" and "tough challenge" are correct and often interchangeable. "Tough challenge" might imply a greater degree of physical or mental resilience required, while "difficult challenge" is a more general term.

Can "a difficult challenge" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a difficult challenge" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a task or situation that presents significant obstacles.