a terrible challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult situation or task that is particularly daunting or unpleasant. Example: "The team faced a terrible challenge when they had to complete the project in just one week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's also a terrible challenge.

The Guardian

Pochettino had planned to take Bentaleb but, to his annoyance, the midfielder was the victim of a terrible challenge when playing for Algeria against Tanzania last week, which has aggravated a nagging ankle injury.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's stonewall, a terrible challenge," McInnes told BBC Radio Scotland.

BBC

"Personally, I thought they were both red cards - the second one was a terrible challenge.

BBC

The integration of MANET with fixed network pose a terrible challenge because the functionality of ad hoc routing protocols are quite different from the routing protocols of fixed network.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"At a recent rehearsal for the tour of A Midsummer Night's Dream, we faced a terrible challenge.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In those where strong leadership or community spirit has emerged there is a determination to overcome the terrible challenge of rebuilding from nothing.

The Guardian

Reggie Lambe (joined in 2012) was sent off in the 56th minute for a terrible late challenge on Saad, but it hardly changed the dynamic of the match.

The Guardian - Sport

Few Wall Street analysts recognized the threat of solving this terrible challenge.

Forbes

The whitewash is done with far greater subtlety by more serious novelists when they wrap things up a shade too neatly, when they bestow on their characters terrible challenges that would leave deep scars in "real life," then pat them lovingly on the head rather than do them any lasting damage.

The New York Times - Arts

But in one tiny sign of the terrible challenges Afghans face, television lights failed just as a news conference with the two men was beginning in the onetime Afghan royal palace where Mr. Karzai has his office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrible challenge", ensure the context clearly establishes the severity and nature of the difficulty. Strong verbs and descriptive language can amplify the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible challenge" for minor inconveniences or everyday problems. Reserve it for situations that present genuine and significant obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible challenge" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "terrible" modifies the noun "challenge". Ludwig examples show it describing significantly difficult or unpleasant situations. It emphasizes the severity of the obstacle.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible challenge" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a significantly difficult or unpleasant situation. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct, it's crucial to use it appropriately for situations that genuinely warrant such strong language. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a daunting task" or "a formidable obstacle" to achieve a nuanced tone. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, so reserve it for truly severe situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formidable obstacle

Emphasizes the difficulty in overcoming the challenge.

a significant hurdle

Focuses on the challenge as a barrier to progress.

a severe trial

Highlights the testing nature of the challenge.

a daunting task

Stresses the intimidating aspect of the challenge.

a major difficulty

Indicates the considerable degree of trouble involved.

a substantial impediment

Highlights that the challenge is acting as a block.

a grave problem

Highlights the serious and important nature of the issue.

a critical issue

Emphasizes the urgent and decisive nature of the challenge.

a tough situation

Describes the challenge in terms of its difficulty and circumstances.

an unpleasant ordeal

Focuses on the negative and distressing experience of the challenge.

FAQs

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

Use "a terrible challenge" to describe a situation presenting a significantly difficult obstacle. For example, "Rebuilding after the earthquake presented "a terrible challenge" to the community".

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

You can use alternatives like "a daunting task", "a formidable obstacle", or "a significant hurdle" to express a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "a terrible challenge" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying the gravity of a difficult situation. However, consider alternatives like "a significant challenge" or "a formidable challenge" for a more nuanced tone.

What makes a challenge "terrible"?

A "terrible" challenge implies that the situation is extremely difficult, unpleasant, and likely to have negative consequences. It suggests a high degree of adversity and potential for failure.