academically challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "academically challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a course, program, or task that requires significant intellectual effort and critical thinking. Example: "The new curriculum is designed to be academically challenging, pushing students to develop their analytical skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The majority of participants indicated that the PhD felt like a long, emotionally and academically challenging journey - see table 4. The academic transitions and challenges took place in the context of adjustment to leaving home and learning to live in a new country and culture.

BMC Nursing

There is also depth because the course is academically challenging.

The Guardian

But neither of us went to a high school as academically challenging as our son's.

The New York Times

Experienced headteachers with years of experience are collaborating to offer academically challenging alternatives to EBCs; we know what we are talking about.

The Guardian

Some parents in middle-class neighborhoods -- even those who send their children to public elementary schools -- complain that the city's middle and high schools are not academically challenging.

The New York Times

The Paris-based Organizathat for Economic Cooperation and Development indicated that girls from industrialized countries have better grades in math and science and tended to take more academically challenging courses than boys.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

That was for the more academically challenged, masters would say sniffily, along with woodwork.

Independent

My son is academically challenged and immature — he's not prepared to handle this.

The New York Times

And as technology continues to progress, you need to be academically challenged in order to understand what is happening.

The Guardian

In May, the college's Educational Opportunity Fund named her educator of the year, for her work with financially and academically challenged students.

The New York Times

These include a proposal for a set of questions on student engagement – the extent to which students feel they have been academically challenged and encouraged to work collaboratively.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "academically challenging" to describe educational experiences or materials that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and a strong intellectual effort.

Common error

Do not overuse "academically challenging" as a general descriptor. Instead, provide specific details about what makes the subject or course challenging, such as the complexity of the material or the required skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "academically challenging" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It describes a noun, indicating that the subject in question requires significant intellectual effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing educational experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "academically challenging" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe educational experiences that demand significant intellectual effort. Ludwig AI confirms it's appropriate for portraying courses, programs, or tasks requiring critical thinking and problem-solving. While generally neutral to formal, it is crucial to provide specific context to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "intellectually stimulating" or "cognitively demanding" for nuanced expression. Its frequency is notable across news, science, and wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectually stimulating

Focuses on the positive aspect of intellectual engagement and invigoration.

cognitively demanding

Emphasizes the mental effort required.

rigorous academic program

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness of the academic experience.

difficult academic work

Directly states the level of difficulty involved in academic tasks.

demanding coursework

Emphasizes the high expectations and workload of the academic assignments.

testing intellectual limits

Implies pushing the boundaries of one's cognitive capabilities.

complex academic subject

Highlights the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the academic material.

advanced scholastic pursuits

Implies engaging in high-level academic endeavors.

brain-teasing educational activities

Suggests the activities are mentally stimulating and perplexing.

intensive study

Focuses on the concentrated and thorough nature of the studying required.

FAQs

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

You can use "academically challenging" to describe courses, programs, or even specific assignments. For example, "The AP course was academically challenging, requiring students to think critically and solve complex problems."

What are some alternatives to "academically challenging"?

Alternatives include "intellectually stimulating", "cognitively demanding", or "rigorous academic program", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "academically challenged" or "academically challenging"?

"Academically challenging" describes something that presents a high level of difficulty, while "academically challenged" is a euphemism for someone who is struggling academically. They have opposite meanings.

What makes a course "academically challenging"?

A course might be "academically challenging" because it requires significant critical thinking, complex problem-solving skills, a high volume of work, or advanced subject matter.