can be challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

'can be challenging' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is difficult or complex. For example: "Children who have learning disabilities can be challenging to teach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Landing can be challenging.

The New York Times

The work can be challenging.

The New York Times

Negotiation can be challenging.

The Guardian

Even then it can be challenging.

The New York Times

For women, traveling alone can be challenging.

The New York Times

The job can be challenging.

The Guardian

Finding the peppercorns can be challenging.

The New York Times - Food

For minority students, Oxford can be challenging.

The Guardian - Opinion

The developments can be challenging to build.

The New York Times

At this scale, that can be challenging.

The New York Times - Arts

Adding such vertebrae can be challenging.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be challenging", be specific about what is challenging and why. Providing context enhances clarity and avoids vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "can be challenging" as a generic filler. Replace it with more descriptive language that reflects the specific difficulty involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be challenging" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular activity, situation, or concept possesses the potential to be difficult or demanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

29%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be challenging" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge potential difficulties or complexities. As Ludwig AI notes, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Its frequency and applicability across diverse contexts, from academic writing to news reports, underscore its significance. To maximize clarity, specify what precisely "can be challenging" and consider more descriptive alternatives to avoid overuse. By understanding its nuances and contexts, one can effectively use "can be challenging" to enhance communication and inform audiences realistically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may present difficulties

Indicates potential problems or obstacles, highlighting the possibility of something not being straightforward.

might prove difficult

Suggests a future possibility of encountering obstacles, similar to "can be challenging" but with a focus on a future event.

can pose a problem

Emphasizes the potential for something to create an issue or obstacle.

may not be easy

Indicates a lack of ease, implying that some effort or difficulty will be involved.

could be problematic

Suggests that something has the potential to cause problems or difficulties.

is not always straightforward

Highlights the potential for complexity and deviations from a simple or direct path.

requires careful consideration

Emphasizes the need for thorough and thoughtful evaluation due to potential complexities.

presents certain hurdles

Indicates the existence of obstacles that need to be overcome.

is fraught with difficulty

Emphasizes the presence of numerous challenges and obstacles.

is no walk in the park

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is not easy and requires significant effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be challenging" to describe tasks, situations, or concepts that present difficulties. For example, "Learning a new language "can be challenging", but it's also rewarding."

What are some alternatives to "can be challenging"?

Alternatives include "can be difficult", "can be tough", or "may present difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can be challenging" or "is challenging"?

"Can be challenging" suggests a potential or occasional difficulty, while "is challenging" implies a more consistent or inherent difficulty. The better choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "can be challenging" in writing?

Use "can be challenging" when you want to acknowledge the difficulty of something without being overly negative or discouraging. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing.