a sustained challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sustained challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge that is ongoing or persistent over a period of time. Example: "The team faced a sustained challenge in meeting their project deadlines due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And while small steps are being made towards a sustained challenge for Champions League qualification next season Rodgers is under no illusions about the severity of the task.

Independent

Safin, though, is notoriously volatile, and - until his performances are governed by something more predictable than whether he has got out of bed on the right side - it is difficult to see him mounting a sustained challenge to Federer's dominance.

The Guardian - Sport

There was always the danger that the Russian would be too exhausted to offer Federer a sustained challenge, having battled his way through three five-setters in his previous four matches and in total spending eight hours longer on court than Federer over the fortnight.

The Guardian - Sport

The utterly dominant star of MotoGP is an overwhelming favourite to make it a hat-trick of titles this season and, going into the opening race weekend in Qatar, it is a struggle to think of where a sustained challenge will emanate from.

The Guardian - Sport

It came as little surprise that Ancelotti was dismissed by the club he had led to the Premier League and the FA Cup just a year ago; his failure to maintain a sustained challenge to Manchester United, at home and in Europe, ultimately cost him his job.

Independent

He is also helped by the opposition's inability to mount a sustained challenge to his dominance.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Many clubs have used Challenge Cup success as a launchpad for a more sustained challenge at the upper end of the Super League table.

The Guardian - Sport

A Democrat — Elizabeth Warren, Sherrod Brown, Deval Patrick — should give Hillary Clinton a serious, sustained challenge, for her and the party's sake if nothing else.

The New Yorker

The runners-up Aberdeen, who pushed Celtic close last season before fading, will hope they can mount a more sustained challenge when they start their season with a trip to Dundee United.

The Guardian - Sport

A more sustained challenge to Ringling Brothers has come instead from the many advocacy groups that push for an end to circus herds, arguing that forcing rare animals to traverse the country in tight cages by train constitutes cruelty by itself.

The New York Times

Richardson, who is against the removal of the Rhodes statue, speaks at a time when the role of universities is under sustained challenge from a generation of students who have different ideas and expectations of what an education should and should not entail.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sustained challenge" when you want to emphasize that a challenge is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process requiring continuous effort and adaptation.

Common error

Avoid using "a sustained challenge" to describe short-lived or easily overcome difficulties. This phrase implies a prolonged and significant effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sustained challenge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. It describes a situation involving prolonged difficulty or effort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sustained challenge" is a commonly used phrase that describes a prolonged and significant difficulty. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, science, and other formal contexts. When writing, be mindful of the duration and intensity implied by the phrase, and consider alternatives like "an enduring struggle" or "a persistent test" if a different nuance is needed. Understanding the contexts and implications allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent test

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the test.

a continuous obstacle

Highlights the uninterrupted presence of the obstacle.

an enduring struggle

Focuses on the length and difficulty of the struggle.

a rigorous test

Highlights the strict and thorough nature of the test.

a constant trial

Underscores the ongoing and difficult nature of the trial.

an unremitting difficulty

Stresses the relentless nature of the difficulty.

a chronic problem

Emphasizes the long-lasting and recurring nature of the problem.

a demanding task

Emphasizes the high level of effort required.

a lasting hardship

Focuses on the long-term impact and severity of the hardship.

a prolonged ordeal

Highlights the unpleasant and lengthy nature of the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sustained challenge" to describe ongoing difficulties, for example: "The company faced "a sustained challenge" in maintaining profitability during the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "a sustained challenge"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an enduring struggle", "a persistent test", or "a prolonged ordeal".

Is it better to say "sustained challenge" or "continuous challenge"?

Both "sustained challenge" and "continuous challenge" are grammatically correct, but "sustained challenge" often implies a greater degree of difficulty and endurance.

What does "mounting a sustained challenge" mean?

"Mounting "a sustained challenge"" means to initiate or begin a prolonged and significant effort to overcome an obstacle or achieve a goal. For example, "The opposition party is mounting "a sustained challenge" to the government's policies."