challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a task or situation that requires effort and determination to overcome. Example: "The project presented a significant challenge, but the team was determined to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The future of Barack Obama's signature healthcare reforms hangs in the balance after facing a rigorous challenge from conservative justices on the supreme court.

The Guardian

Anderson has said his review considered the safeguards to privacy, issues of transparency and oversight as well as the powers needed to meet the challenge of changing technologies.

The Guardian

"So the real challenge for us as we debate our role in the EU is working out what we should be pushing forward, what we should be leading on within the EU, to make it – and us – a more effective economic and global power".

The Guardian

The legal argument focused on the challenge to core of the legislation – its requirement that almost all Americans buy health insurance.

The Guardian

Take a look at this month's Live Better challenge here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Carr, who served as NSW premier for 10 years, entered the Senate and became foreign minister at the request of former prime minister Julia Gillard in March 2012, when Kevin Rudd returned to the backbench after losing a leadership challenge.

The Guardian

"It's quite a challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

Related: Ebola crisis – the Guardian briefing The rapidly dropping number of cases will make it a considerable challenge to trial vaccines against Ebola.

The Guardian

Beware: no wetsuits allowed … From £12, 2 February, chillswim.com Discover Adventure has a new challenge for 2013: a nine-day coast-to-coast ride from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean across the Pyrenees.

The Guardian - Travel

Shillinglaw said the task of reinventing the show, which is watched by 6 million viewers on BBC2 and is a global hit generating £50m a year for the BBC, was "a challenge but it's genuinely creatively exciting".

The Guardian

The Australian Education Union's national president, Angelo Gavrielatos, called on the government to rethink the future of the program in light of the second successful high court challenge against funding arrangements.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "challenge" to describe a situation that tests one's abilities or resources, creating an opportunity for growth or achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "challenge" in contexts where a simpler word like "task" or "issue" would suffice. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "challenge" functions primarily as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it denotes a difficult task or situation. As a verb, it means to invite someone to compete or to question something. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and versatile use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "challenge" is a versatile term used to describe demanding situations or to invite competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It functions as both a noun and a verb, adapting to various contexts from news and media to sports and formal business settings. While "challenge" is a common word, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Semantically related alternatives include "obstacle", "difficulty", and "problem". Understanding its proper usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstacle

Focuses on the hindering aspect of a situation, emphasizing difficulty.

difficulty

Highlights the problematic nature of a task, implying a need for effort.

problem

Emphasizes an issue that needs to be resolved, often implying a negative situation.

test

Implies an evaluation of one's abilities or preparedness.

trial

Suggests a difficult experience that one must endure.

undertaking

Refers to a task or project, often implying significant effort or complexity.

endeavor

Highlights a sincere attempt to achieve something, often implying difficulty.

venture

Indicates a risky or daring undertaking.

struggle

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in achieving a goal.

ordeal

Suggests a painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one.

FAQs

How can I use "challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "challenge" as a noun to refer to a difficult task or situation, or as a verb to invite someone to participate in a competition or to dispute something. For instance, "The project presented a significant challenge" or "I challenge you to a duel".

What are some synonyms for "challenge"?

Alternatives for "challenge" include "obstacle", "difficulty", "problem", or "test", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "challenge" as both a noun and a verb?

Yes, "challenge" functions correctly as both a noun (e.g., "It's a big challenge") and a verb (e.g., "I challenge that statement").

What is the difference between "challenge" and "problem"?

"Challenge" often implies an opportunity for growth and overcoming obstacles, whereas "problem" typically denotes a negative situation requiring resolution. A "problem" is something to be solved, while a "challenge" is something to be faced and conquered.