absolutely challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the degree of difficulty or complexity of a task or situation. Example: "The project was absolutely challenging, requiring extensive research and collaboration among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In a behind-the-scenes video I have been allowed to see, he described being directed by his wife as "absolutely challenging.

The Guardian - Film

"Adolescents are incredibly thoughtful, creative and absolutely challenging," he said.

The New York Times - Health

The processes have changed… how things are done has changed, which is absolutely challenging" (A-03).

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"With a clean trip in the Derby, I would have absolutely challenged Smarty Jones," Desormeaux said.

The New York Times - Sports

"If the agency moves forward," Ms. Kennedy added, "we would absolutely challenge it".

The New York Times

"You have a category spinning out of control, where claims are being made that absolutely challenge credulity".

The New York Times

"One of the things that are so provocative about the twins is that they absolutely challenged society to put them away," the filmmaker Jon Amiel, who directed the 1986 BBC docudrama "The Silent Twins," told me.

The New Yorker

[cartoon id= a20640_rd"] Davis was preparing collard greens for dinner, a recipe that she said she'd passed along to Meryl Streep — "The only area where I could absolutely challenge her is my collard greens," she said.

The New Yorker

They pleaded guilty, on the advice of their lawyers, and were ordered to be detained at Broadmoor indefinitely... "One of the things that are so provocative about the twins is that they absolutely challenged society to put them away," the filmmaker Jon Amiel, who directed the 1986 BBC docudrama "The Silent Twins," told me.

The New Yorker

"This absolutely challenges the fundamental assumption of risk assessment that once you start increasing dose you always see an increase in response," says vom Saal.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The Cavaliers are 23-4 appearpeabsolutelyely capable of challenging the Boston Celtics for supremacy in the Eastern Conference, and the N.B.A. at large.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely challenging" to emphasize the significant degree of difficulty of a task or situation. This phrase adds a strong level of intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely challenging" in very informal settings where simpler alternatives like "very hard" or "really tough" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely challenging" functions as an intensifier (absolutely) + adjective (challenging) to describe something that presents a high degree of difficulty. It modifies nouns by adding emphasis to the level of difficulty or complexity involved, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely challenging" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English to denote a high degree of difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. To enhance writing, remember to use it to emphasize intensity but avoid overuse in very informal settings. Alternatives include "extremely difficult" or "incredibly demanding". It's important to note that although this particular phrase is not common, it's still valid and conveys emphasis effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely difficult

Replaces "absolutely" with "extremely" while retaining the core meaning of high difficulty.

incredibly demanding

Substitutes "challenging" with "demanding", focusing on the high level of effort required.

exceptionally tough

Replaces "challenging" with "tough", emphasizing the rigorous nature of the task.

utterly formidable

Uses "formidable" to highlight the intimidating nature of the challenge, intensifying the effect.

seriously taxing

Emphasizes the draining effect of the challenge using "taxing".

thoroughly testing

Focuses on the aspect of being tested, using "testing" instead of "challenging".

completely rigorous

Highlights the strict and demanding nature using "rigorous".

genuinely arduous

Replaces "challenging" with "arduous", indicating a laborious and difficult effort.

remarkably ambitious

Shifts the focus to the high level of ambition required, implying inherent difficulty.

intensely complex

Highlights the intricate and complicated nature using "complex".

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely challenging" to describe a task, project, or situation that presents significant difficulties. For example: "The project was "absolutely challenging", requiring extensive research and collaboration."

What are some alternatives to "absolutely challenging"?

Alternatives include "extremely difficult", "incredibly demanding", or "exceptionally tough". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "absolutely challenging" formal or informal?

"Absolutely challenging" is suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts. While it is emphatic, it isn't overly colloquial. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for very informal situations.

Can "absolutely challenging" be used to describe a person?

While less common, "absolutely challenging" can describe a person who is difficult to deal with or understand. For example: "Adolescents can be "absolutely challenging", requiring patience and understanding."