a great challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to difficult tasks or situations that require dedication and hard work. Example sentence: "Going back to school after decades out of the classroom was a great challenge, but I was determined to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, constructing this microbioreactor was a great challenge for López.

Duke University

However, this is still a great challenge in this field.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B

"It'll be a great challenge".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a great challenge," Soler said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a great challenge for us.

Independent

PE: That's a great challenge.

Stanford University

It's always a great challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a great challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a great challenge for a youngster.

The New York Times

It'll be a great challenge for me".

Independent

"It's a great challenge," Yip says.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great challenge" to frame obstacles as opportunities for growth and development, emphasizing the positive aspects of facing adversity.

Common error

While "a great challenge" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "tough" when discussing minor issues to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great challenge" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a difficult or demanding task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe situations in sports, scientific endeavors, and personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great challenge" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a task or situation that demands significant effort and skill. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal writing to everyday conversation. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prevalent use in news media, scientific discourse, and academic discussions. While alternatives like "a significant challenge" or "a tough challenge" exist, "a great challenge" effectively conveys the magnitude and importance of the obstacle at hand. When writing, remember to consider the audience and tailor your language accordingly, avoiding overuse in overly casual settings. While being a correct phrase, ensure that you are using it to describe significant obstacles so that the expression does not become a platitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant challenge

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the challenge.

a considerable challenge

Highlights the substantial effort or resources required to overcome the challenge.

a tough challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and demanding nature of the challenge.

a formidable challenge

Suggests that the challenge is intimidating and requires significant skill or strength.

a major hurdle

Presents the challenge as an obstacle to be overcome on the way to achieving a goal.

a difficult task

Broadly describes something that requires effort and skill to complete successfully.

a complex problem

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the challenge.

a demanding situation

Focuses on the high expectations and requirements associated with the challenge.

a steep learning curve

Specifically relates to challenges involving acquiring new knowledge or skills quickly.

an uphill battle

Implies that the challenge will be long and arduous, with resistance encountered along the way.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great challenge" to describe a difficult task or situation that requires significant effort and determination. For example, "Learning a new language is "a great challenge" but also very rewarding."

What are some alternatives to saying "a great challenge"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a significant challenge", "a tough challenge", or "a formidable challenge".

Is it appropriate to use "a great challenge" in formal writing?

Yes, "a great challenge" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose the most precise phrasing accordingly.

What's the difference between "a great challenge" and "a big challenge"?

While both phrases are similar, "a great challenge" often implies a more significant or impactful obstacle than "a big challenge". The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.