an incredible challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an incredible challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that is very difficult or demanding, often implying that it requires significant effort or skill to overcome. Example: "Climbing Mount Everest is considered an incredible challenge that tests even the most experienced mountaineers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

When you know someone you have met someone who has had an incredible challenge in his or her life and was incredibly brave enough to face their internal challenge in spite of not mapping to society's expectations.

HuffPost

Serving as secretary of state is an incredible challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Continuously updating materials for the long term is an incredible challenge in this environment.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was extremely British, extremely eccentric, and an incredible challenge to take on.

The Guardian - Sport

It was an incredible challenge that I'll never forget as long as I live.

The Guardian

"To build a supercar here in Modena was an incredible challenge, like climbing a mountain," Mr. Pagani said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But nearly at the same time, I get the offer of a position at a new biotech company, which is just starting to employ its first people--an incredible challenge at a time when biotech is booming.

Science Magazine

The lab is collaborating with about twelve different researchers on targeting cancer, an indication of the incredible challenge presented by this piece.

University of California, Berkeley

One year of a challenging postdoc abroad has passed, and yet another, new and incredible challenge confronts me, the best biology to do: A child is waiting to be born.

Science Magazine

Eames: Besides being emotional, it was an incredible logistical challenge.

The New York Times

These methods are traditionally based on the many-body Schrödinger equation which represents an incredible mathematical challenge.

Journal of Computational Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "an incredible challenge" with verbs that convey action and effort, such as 'undertake', 'face', 'overcome', or 'rise to'. This strengthens the sense of active engagement with the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "an incredible challenge" to describe everyday tasks or minor inconveniences. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound exaggerated. Reserve it for situations that truly demand significant effort and skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an incredible challenge" functions as a noun phrase, where 'incredible' modifies the noun 'challenge'. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, indicating its role in describing something difficult or demanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an incredible challenge" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a task or situation that is exceptionally difficult and demanding. Ludwig AI data shows it is frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude of the difficulty and consider alternatives like "a significant hurdle" or "a formidable task" to fine-tune the nuance. Avoid using it for trivial matters to maintain its impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a momentous challenge

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the challenge.

a formidable task

Highlights the demanding nature of the undertaking, suggesting a need for considerable skill and effort.

a significant hurdle

Focuses on the difficulty aspect, emphasizing the obstacle rather than the potential for growth.

a tough proposition

Suggests a situation that is difficult to accept or deal with.

a considerable test

Focuses on the aspect of proving one's abilities or resilience.

a demanding assignment

Highlights the high expectations and workload associated with the task.

a major undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the project, rather than its inherent difficulty.

a substantial endeavor

Similar to 'major undertaking' but with a slightly more formal tone.

a steep learning curve

Specifically highlights the need to acquire new knowledge or skills quickly.

an extraordinary opportunity

Shifts the focus from difficulty to potential benefit and unique possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "an incredible challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "an incredible challenge" to describe a task or situation that is very difficult but potentially rewarding. For example, "Solving climate change is "an incredible challenge" that requires global cooperation."

What are some alternatives to "an incredible challenge"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a significant hurdle", "a formidable task", or "a demanding assignment".

Is it appropriate to use "an incredible challenge" in formal writing?

Yes, "an incredible challenge" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant and difficult undertakings. However, consider the tone and choose alternatives if a more understated expression is needed.

What makes a challenge 'incredible'?

A challenge is 'incredible' when it is exceptionally difficult, complex, or demanding, often requiring significant effort, skill, and resources to overcome. The term implies that success is not easily achieved and will likely be highly rewarding. It's more intense than saying it's "an ongoing challenge", for example.