be challenged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be challenged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the experience of facing difficulties or obstacles that test one's abilities or resolve. Example: "In order to grow and improve, it's important to be challenged in your work and personal life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This needs to be challenged.

Independent

I want to be challenged.

The New York Times

"I have to be challenged.

Independent

They wanna be challenged.

The Guardian

They must be challenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Slowly that idea began to be challenged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They need to be challenged head-on.

The New York Times

"Their future growth will be challenged.

The New York Times

The ruling would be challenged, of course.

The New Yorker

However this assumption deserves to be challenged.

The New York Times

"Every observational study could be challenged".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be challenged" to convey the idea of facing difficulties that lead to growth or improvement. For example, "In order to expand your knowledge, you need to "be challenged" with difficult concepts."

Common error

Avoid using "be challenged" when an active voice is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "The team "be challenged" the opposing team's strategy", consider "The team challenged the opposing team's strategy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be challenged" typically functions as a passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it indicates that someone or something is subjected to a test, difficulty, or opposition. It highlights the state of being in a challenging situation rather than actively initiating the challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be challenged" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe the experience of facing difficulties or being put to the test. Ludwig AI analysis shows a very high frequency of usage across reputable sources, predominantly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it is essential to consider the active vs passive voice and avoid overuse. Related phrases like "face obstacles" or "encounter difficulties" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Overall, understanding the subtle nuances of "be challenged" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face obstacles

Focuses on the act of confronting barriers or impediments.

encounter difficulties

Highlights the experience of running into problems or hardships.

be put to the test

Emphasizes a situation where one's abilities or resolve are evaluated.

be stimulated

Highlights the aspect of being mentally or creatively invigorated.

be pushed

Implies being urged or compelled to exert oneself.

be confronted

Focuses on the act of facing a situation or opposition directly.

be dared

Implies being challenged to do something risky or bold.

be questioned

Highlights the act of having one's ideas or actions scrutinized.

be opposed

Focuses on facing resistance or disagreement.

be tested

Implies evaluation of capabilities or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "be challenged" in a sentence?

The phrase "be challenged" is used to indicate that someone or something is facing a difficult task or situation. For example, "The students will "be challenged" by the new curriculum." or "My beliefs were "be challenged" after reading that book".

What are some alternatives to "be challenged"?

You can use alternatives like "face obstacles", "encounter difficulties", or "be put to the test" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be challenged" or "face a challenge"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Be challenged" implies a passive role, where someone is subjected to a challenge. "Face a challenge" implies a more active role, where someone directly confronts a challenge. The best choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What does it mean to say that someone "loves to be challenged"?

Saying someone "loves to be challenged" means that they enjoy facing difficult tasks and situations, because they find them stimulating and rewarding. It indicates a desire for growth and improvement.