a startling challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a startling challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge that is surprising or unexpected, often implying that it requires significant effort or thought to overcome. Example: "The sudden change in market conditions presented a startling challenge for the entire team, forcing them to rethink their strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Green Knight, "otherworldly, yet flesh / and bone," presents a startling challenge: he will endure one blow without offering resistance, but whoever deals it must promise to receive a reciprocal blow in a year and a day.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It keeps the viewer on edge and off balance, and certainly constitutes a startling formal challenge thrown down to the audience.

The Guardian

For Hutson and Bullock, being a black entrepreneur with a nebulous past can pose startling challenges.

TechCrunch

She sobs--a startling, terrible sound.

The New Yorker

Last month's cyber security report by Kent University offered a startling insight into the challenges faced in combating escalating cyber threats.

The Guardian

Mr. Jones's choreography, titled "WorldWithout/In," met the challenge with a startling disassociation from the music.

The New York Times - Arts

There's room for the show to develop, but already it's a startling piece of work that challenges how you listen and fathom what you hear.

The Guardian

Even for those with no interest in Who Do You Think You Are -style soul-seAre -stylehis is a startling account: improbable, richly ironic, challenging for sceptics of biological dethisisism and told without a startlingsentimentaccount

The Guardian

What happens when a parent receives a stunning challenge regarding their child or delivers a startling ultimatum to their offspring?

Huffington Post

But the resolution also represented what some diplomats and United Nations officials called a startling turnaround in how the United States handles such sensitive challenges in the Security Council.

The New York Times

Singing both verses of her fourth-act cabaletta with fiery accuracy — a challenge even for more experienced singers — Ms. Yu conveyed a startling intimacy in the huge Met, as if you were peering into Leonora's fevered thoughts.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a startling challenge" to introduce significant plot twists or turning points in narratives to immediately capture the reader's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "a startling challenge" to describe routine or easily resolvable issues. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Reserve it for genuinely significant and unexpected difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a startling challenge" functions as a noun phrase where "startling" modifies "challenge". It describes a situation or task that is unexpectedly difficult or demanding, requiring significant adaptation or effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a startling challenge" is a phrase used to describe an unexpected difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the surprise element of the challenge and requiring a notable response. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its register is generally neutral to professional. Alternatives such as ""a surprising obstacle"" or ""an unexpected hurdle"" can be used for variety. Ensure the context genuinely warrants the use of "startling" to avoid hyperbole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surprising obstacle

Replaces "startling challenge" with synonyms, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the difficulty.

an unexpected hurdle

Similar to "a surprising obstacle", but emphasizes overcoming the difficulty.

a formidable surprise

Inverts the structure, focusing on the surprising nature of a significant difficulty.

an alarming difficulty

Shifts the focus to the potentially worrying nature of the challenge.

a shocking problem

Uses stronger language to highlight the unexpected and potentially negative impact of the challenge.

an unforeseen complication

Highlights the unexpected nature of a new element that makes things more difficult.

a disruptive impediment

Focuses on the way the challenge interrupts progress.

an astonishing predicament

Emphasizes the surprising and potentially difficult situation.

an eye-opening trial

Suggests that the challenge is not only surprising but also educational.

an unexpected test

Highlights the way the challenge assesses one's abilities or resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "a startling challenge" to describe something unexpected that requires effort to overcome, such as "The Green Knight presents "a startling challenge": he will endure one blow without offering resistance."

What phrases are similar to "a startling challenge"?

Similar phrases include "a surprising obstacle", "an unexpected hurdle", or "a formidable surprise". These alternatives maintain the sense of unexpected difficulty.

Is "a startling challenge" appropriate for formal writing?

"A startling challenge" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. In formal settings, ensure the challenge is genuinely significant. In less formal contexts, it can be used more liberally.

What's the difference between "a startling challenge" and "a difficult challenge"?

While both describe difficulties, "a startling challenge" emphasizes the element of surprise or unexpectedness, whereas "a difficult challenge" simply highlights the degree of difficulty without implying surprise.