a main challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant obstacle or difficulty in a particular context or situation. Example: "One of the main challenges we face in this project is meeting the tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A main challenge of the game, Mr. Erickson said, is communication.

The New York Times

A main challenge we face is preparing students for their future.

The New York Times

Updated at 12.43pm BST 12.36pm BST Asked about the Syrian mission, Üzümcü reiterates that a main challenge remains the safety and security of OPCW teams in that country.

The Guardian

A main challenge facing the Palestinian Authority is Hamas, the Islamist group that rejects Israel's existence and controls Gaza, where 1.5 million Palestinians live.

The New York Times

Dr. Razouki of Kleos said, "a main challenge is to come up with a sustainable model of financing the health care of future generations".

The New York Times

Mr. Profumo says that a main challenge for the European economy is not banks' willingness or ability to lend, but a lack of demand.

The New York Times

The selection of a suitable α has become a main challenge for accurate mean flow calculations.

Journal of Hydrology

A main challenge is to provide a mesh-independent interface for finite element (FE) data conversion.

Composite Structures

However, fabrication of new materials for this purpose remains a main challenge.

Electrochimica Acta

A main challenge is explaining observations made during the past unusual solar minimum.

Advances in Space Research

A main challenge in selective encryption algorithms is to design secure schemes that are error tolerant.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a main challenge", clearly define the specific area or context in which the challenge arises. This helps readers understand the scope and importance of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a main challenge" for minor or easily solvable problems. Reserve it for substantial issues that require significant effort and resources to address.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main challenge" functions as a noun phrase, identifying and introducing a significant difficulty or obstacle within a given context. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a main challenge" is a grammatically correct and very common way to introduce a significant obstacle or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples demonstrate its broad applicability across diverse domains, including science, news, and business. While its register is generally neutral to formal, adapting the phrasing to the specific context ensures effective communication. Remember to clearly define the context of the challenge to avoid ambiguity, and use it for substantial issues deserving of attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key obstacle

Replaces "challenge" with "obstacle", focusing on something that blocks progress.

a primary difficulty

Substitutes "challenge" with "difficulty", emphasizing the problematic aspect.

a central problem

Replaces "challenge" with "problem", highlighting an issue needing resolution.

a major hurdle

Emphasizes the effort needed to overcome the difficulty.

a significant impediment

Highlights the hindering nature of the challenge.

a critical issue

Highlights the importance and urgency of the challenge.

a tough question

Frames the challenge as a question needing a complex answer.

a complicated matter

Replaces challenge with the concept of a matter that is complex.

a demanding task

Focuses on the effort and skill required to address the challenge.

the primary concern

Shifts focus to the element of worry or anxiety that the challenge introduces.

FAQs

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

Use "a main challenge" to introduce a significant obstacle or difficulty. For example, "A main challenge is securing funding for the project."

What are some alternatives to "a main challenge"?

You can use alternatives such as "a key obstacle", "a primary difficulty", or "a central problem" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a main challenge" or "the main challenge"?

"A main challenge" implies that there may be other challenges, while "the main challenge" suggests it is the most significant one. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the situation.

What makes something qualify as "a main challenge"?

A situation qualifies as "a main challenge" when it presents a significant obstacle to achieving a goal, requiring substantial effort, resources, and strategic thinking to overcome.