a vigorous challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vigorous challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult task or situation that requires significant effort and energy to overcome. Example: "The team faced a vigorous challenge in meeting the tight deadline while maintaining high-quality standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And the councilman is waging a vigorous challenge.

The New York Times

And in California, Senator Barbara Boxer overcame a vigorous challenge from Carly Fiorina, a Republican.

The New York Times

Mr. Padavan, too, faced a vigorous challenge, with Democratic leaders from throughout the borough actively supporting Mr. Lancman.

The New York Times

He overcame a vigorous challenge by Chirac in the first round of voting and seemed well placed to defeat the Socialist Mitterrand in the runoff.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tour mounted a vigorous challenge primarily on the grounds that walking is an essential part of high-level golf competition.

The New York Times - Sports

In the Ninth, Representative Rick Boucher, an 11-term Democratic incumbent, held off a vigorous challenge by Kevin Triplett, an ex-Nascar executive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Would you ask me to do something more frightening?" Dench's derring-do also seems necessary to keep her nearly perpetual routine of rehearsal and performance a fresh and vigorous challenge.

The New Yorker

The latest veteran lawmaker to be the subject of a vigorous primary challenge is the 80-year-old Senator Richard G. Lugar of Indiana, who is being challenged for the Republican nomination by State Treasurer Richard Mourdock.

The New York Times

It is also affecting other crucial contests, including that of Senator Richard Burr, who hopes to fend off a vigorous Democratic challenge from Deborah K. Ross, a former State House member and former state director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

The New York Times

Now, Mr. Cuomo, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, and Mr. Lazio, who is seeking the Republican nomination, are poised for battle on a larger stage, assuming Mr. Lazio can withstand a vigorous primary challenge from Carl Paladino, a wealthy Buffalo developer.

The New York Times

Mr. Towns, 77, who was facing a vigorous primary challenge in Brooklyn's 10th Congressional District from Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, began calling members of the state's Congressional delegation Sunday afternoon to inform them, said the Democrat, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the decision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vigorous challenge" to describe situations where significant effort and determination are needed to overcome an obstacle, particularly in competitive or adversarial contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a vigorous challenge" in very informal or casual settings, as it may sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a tough time" or "a hard task" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vigorous challenge" functions as a noun phrase, where "vigorous" modifies the noun "challenge". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, with examples showing it typically acts as an object of a verb, describing something faced or overcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vigorous challenge" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to describe a situation demanding significant effort and determination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts and may sound overly dramatic in casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "a tough challenge" or "a strong contest" for less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong contest

Focuses on the competitive aspect, implying a match of power or ability.

an intense competition

Highlights the high level of activity and rivalry.

a tough battle

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential conflict involved.

a fierce rivalry

Stresses the aggressive and competitive nature of the opposition.

a formidable obstacle

Shifts the focus to the difficulty and scale of the impediment.

a significant hurdle

Indicates a notable barrier that needs to be overcome.

a stern test

Underlines the demanding nature and the high standards required.

a critical trial

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the situation.

a demanding task

Highlights the effort and skill required to complete the undertaking.

a momentous undertaking

Indicates the importance and scope of the endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vigorous challenge" to describe a situation demanding significant effort and determination. For example, "The company faced "a vigorous challenge" adapting to the new market conditions".

What can I say instead of "a vigorous challenge"?

You can use alternatives like "a tough challenge", "a strong contest", or "a formidable obstacle" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a vigorous challenge" or "an vigorous challenge"?

"A vigorous challenge" is correct. The article "a" is used because "vigorous" begins with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a vigorous challenge" and "a rigorous challenge"?

"A vigorous challenge" implies energetic effort and determination, while "a rigorous challenge" ("a rigorous challenge") suggests strictness and thoroughness. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize effort or strictness.