challenge to watch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenge to watch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is difficult or demanding to observe, often in the context of a performance, event, or situation. Example: "The final moments of the game were a challenge to watch, as both teams fought fiercely for victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Over the years, the series' internal mythology became so dense it was a challenge to watch without a native guide.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm waiting for the usual detractors to howl that Swanberg is no Bergman and to offer a challenge to watch, say, "Persona" and "Art History" side by side.

The New Yorker

No one will produce a Sharia argument against jumping for joy!" It's certainly a challenge to watch the video without breaking into a grin.

The Guardian - Music

After its debut, I set myself the challenge to watch the show as any good internet entertainment should be consumed: in one sitting, while staying up all night to my detriment and against my better judgement.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But the Cardiff Blues choir member said it was a challenge to watch the team abroad, and was unable to follow local club matches as they are not always broadcast.

BBC

It can be a challenge to watch most Marvel movies stoned too many characters and subplots to keep in my head but Doctor Strange is brain food mixed with a healthy dose of eye-candy.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

With its novelistic storylines, multiple characters, and gritty subject matter, The Wire can be challenging to watch.

University of Pennsylvania

The bus trip turns into "Roadkill," a bleak and captivating drama that begins with a ride from the Traverse Theater to a flat near Leith Walk, and that is, as the title suggests, challenging to watch yet difficult to turn away from.

The New York Times

But the standout segment was the "future" slice a jittery, surreal sci-fi fantasy that was challenging to watch, and entirely worth it: a scathing fantasia about every one of Hollywood's ugliest, most freakish, most crazy-making tendencies, cranked up to eleven.

The New Yorker

It has been challenging to watch his academic abilities decline along with physical changes.

Huffington Post

Viewers have been challenged to watch the show and point out its military flaws like grooming standards, military attire all jacked up, verbiage, etc.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "challenge to watch", consider the specific aspect of the viewing experience you want to emphasize: is it the emotional difficulty, the intellectual demand, or the test of endurance?

Common error

Avoid using "challenge to watch" when simpler alternatives like "difficult to see" or "hard to watch" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the viewing experience genuinely presents a significant obstacle or test.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenge to watch" functions as a descriptor, characterizing a viewing experience as demanding or difficult. This determination aligns with Ludwig AI insights, suggesting the phrase is appropriate when the act of watching requires significant effort or emotional resilience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenge to watch" effectively conveys that a viewing experience demands significant effort, be it emotional resilience or intellectual engagement. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its usage across news, academic, and general contexts, lending a neutral formality. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "difficult to watch", "challenge to watch" aptly describes content that truly tests the observer's capacity. When choosing between them, consider whether you want to emphasize difficulty generally or the more demanding, testing aspect. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to watch

Focuses on the difficulty aspect, omitting the sense of a test or trial.

hard to witness

Emphasizes the act of witnessing and the emotional impact, with less focus on the challenge.

testing to observe

Highlights the aspect of being a test or trial in the context of observation.

demanding to view

Stresses the demanding nature of the viewing experience.

trying to watch

Emphasizes the effort required to watch something.

taxing to observe

Highlights the burdensome or stressful nature of the observation.

not easy to watch

Simplifies the sentiment by stating the lack of ease in watching.

uncomfortable to view

Shifts the focus to the discomfort experienced during viewing.

formidable to observe

Highlights the imposing or daunting nature of the thing being observed.

gripping yet difficult to watch

Adds the aspect of being gripping, despite the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "challenge to watch" in a sentence?

You can use "challenge to watch" to describe something difficult or emotionally taxing to observe. For example, "The documentary about animal cruelty was a challenge to watch."

What is a less formal alternative to "challenge to watch"?

Less formal alternatives include "difficult to watch", "hard to watch", or "tough to watch".

Is there a difference between "challenge to watch" and "difficult to watch"?

"Challenge to watch" implies that the act of watching is a test of one's endurance or emotional strength, while "difficult to watch" simply suggests that the content is not easy to view.

When should I use "challenge to watch" instead of "hard to watch"?

Use "challenge to watch" when you want to emphasize the demanding nature of the viewing experience, suggesting it requires mental or emotional fortitude. "Hard to watch" is suitable for more general situations where something is simply unpleasant to view.