challenges

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "challenges" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to difficulties or obstacles. For example: "I'm looking forward to the challenges that await me on my journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let us assure you that the Government will do all we can to defeat the voices of division, but ultimately the challenges of integration and radicalisation cannot be solved from Whitehall alone.

The Guardian

This conference brings together best practice examples, policy leaders and industry experts to discuss the challenges facing social care providers and IT support teams.

The Guardian

Overall, the speech reflected the Liberal Democrats typically positive attitude to the challenges that lie ahead.

The Guardian - Opinion

McIntyre said that during legal challenges against the tapes handover Boston-based judge William Young, who read all the relevant interviews, described the project as a "bona fide academic exercise of considerable intellectual merit".

The Guardian

Though each of them had a very distinct reaction to the challenges of making art that seemed honest and relevant to the present moment, it was also true that in talking to the four of them separately, common themes emerged.

The Guardian

The urgent challenges require wise and long-term solutions.

The Guardian

Smith's work explores the difficulties faced by the remote community and also looks at the cultural fabric that remains in the face of those challenges.

The Guardian

Yet there is the competitor's relish for the challenges ahead and it is plain that Arsenal has got under his skin.

The Guardian - Sport

The disability campaigners who gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday warned that Georgia had created a trap for disabled people, because in mild cases such as Hill's it was almost impossible to prove beyond doubt their challenges.

The Guardian

That is the norm in tennis and cricket, where challenges in the bank have been known to be used frivolously rather than wasted.

The Guardian - Sport

The reality is, however, that the French prison system is under great strain and faces totally new challenges related to geo-political tensions in north Africa and the Middle East.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "challenges", be specific about what makes them challenging. Providing context and details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

While "challenges" is a versatile word, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "difficulties", "obstacles", or "hurdles" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "challenges" primarily functions as a plural noun, referring to difficult tasks or situations that test someone's abilities. As Ludwig AI indicates, the word is grammatically correct. Many examples from Ludwig show "challenges" used in the context of describing difficulties faced by organizations and individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "challenges" is a very common and grammatically correct plural noun used to describe difficult tasks or situations. As indicated by Ludwig, it serves to identify and describe these difficulties across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "difficulties", "obstacles", and "hurdles" exist, "challenges" often implies a proactive approach to overcoming hurdles. When using the word "challenges", being specific about the nature of these difficulties enhances clarity. Overall, "challenges" is a versatile term that effectively communicates the presence of demanding situations and the potential for strategic solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulties

Focuses more directly on the state of being difficult.

obstacles

Emphasizes the blocking or impeding nature of the difficulties.

hurdles

Implies a need to overcome something, often in a competitive or progressive context.

problems

A general term for issues that need resolving.

setbacks

Highlights the hindering of progress or advancement.

hardships

Suggests conditions of suffering or privation.

trials

Implies tests of endurance or faith.

complexities

Highlights the intricate and often confusing nature of the situation.

predicaments

Focuses on difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situations.

issues

A broader term that can encompass problems, concerns, or topics of discussion.

FAQs

How do I effectively use "challenges" in a sentence?

Use "challenges" to refer to difficulties that test someone's abilities. For example, "The project presented significant challenges for the team".

What are some alternatives to the word "challenges"?

You can use alternatives like "difficulties", "obstacles", or "hurdles" to vary your writing.

How does the term "challenges" differ from "problems"?

"Challenges" often imply opportunities for growth and overcoming obstacles, while "problems" usually refer to issues needing resolution. "Challenges" are usually seen in a more positive and proactive light.

Is it correct to use "challenges" in a business context?

Yes, "challenges" is commonly used in business to describe difficulties or obstacles that a company or team faces, often implying a need for strategic solutions.