are more challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are more challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the difficulty level of two or more things, indicating that one is more difficult than the other. Example: "These math problems are more challenging than the ones we solved last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Other treks are more challenging.

The Guardian - Travel

Long-term solutions are more challenging.

The New York Times

The tasks for a Mars mission are more challenging.

The New York Times - Science

"It's the slow notes that are more challenging.

The New Yorker

"I have nothing against readability, but some books are more challenging.

The Guardian - Books

Literary agent Andrew Kidd said: "I have nothing against readability but some books are more challenging.

The Guardian - Books

On the other hand, the analyses of multi-locus datasets are more challenging.

Plosone

Transition kernels on δ are more challenging.

BMC Biology

Enlarged lymph nodes, where viral infections can complicate the diagnostic process, are more challenging.

Cancer Imaging

The conceptual arguments in favor of episode-based payments are clear; the details and transition are more challenging.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Tasks which are worth a higher percentage of your grade or that are more challenging should be completed first.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the difficulty of tasks or concepts, use "are more challenging" to indicate a higher level of complexity, effort, or skill required. Ensure the comparison is clear and specific, referencing what exactly is being challenged.

Common error

Avoid using "are more challenging" without specifying what is challenging or compared to what. A statement like 'This project is more challenging' lacks context. Instead, say 'This project is more challenging than the previous one because it requires advanced coding skills'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are more challenging" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe nouns or noun phrases, indicating that they present a higher degree of difficulty or require greater effort, skill, or problem-solving ability. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are more challenging" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express comparative difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and everyday conversation. While ""are more difficult"" serves as a direct synonym, alternatives like "are tougher" or "are more complex" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to avoid vague comparisons by specifying what is challenging and in what context. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use "are more challenging" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are more difficult

Direct synonym indicating greater difficulty.

are tougher

Informal synonym conveying increased difficulty or resilience needed.

are more complex

Indicates a higher degree of intricacy or complication.

are more demanding

Suggests requiring more effort, skill or attention.

are more complicated

Similar to "are more complex", highlighting intricacy.

are more intricate

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of the challenge.

are more laborious

Emphasizes the amount of work and effort required.

present a greater challenge

Rephrases the idea, focusing on the challenge itself.

pose a bigger hurdle

Uses a metaphorical comparison to a physical obstacle.

are a greater test

Highlights the evaluative aspect of the challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "are more challenging" in a sentence?

Use "are more challenging" to compare the difficulty of two or more things, indicating that one is harder than the other. For example, 'Advanced calculus problems "are more challenging" than basic algebra problems'.

What's the difference between "are more challenging" and "are more difficult"?

While similar, "are more challenging" often implies that the difficulty involves stimulating effort and problem-solving, whereas "are more difficult" /s/are+more+difficult simply indicates greater effort or complexity. "Solving a puzzle is more challenging than reading a book, even if both "are more difficult" than watching television".

What can I say instead of "are more challenging"?

You can use alternatives such as ""are more difficult"", "are tougher", or "are more complex" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "are more challenging"?

While generally appropriate, consider your audience and the context. In very formal writing, alternatives like "present a greater challenge" might be more suitable. In informal settings, "are tougher" might be preferable.