challenging about

USAGE SUMMARY

"challenging about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is difficult or problematic. Example: The most challenging thing about writing a book is coming up with a unique and compelling plot.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's funny finding what's challenging about acting as you go.

Huffington Post

What is challenging about furniture?

The New York Times

Was there anything unexpectedly challenging about the performance?

The New York Times

Steelers O vs. Seahawks D There was nothing challenging about Seattle's defense.

The New York Times

What do these attorneys love about their pro bono work and what is challenging about it?

Harvard University

He added, "What's great and challenging about the Internet is that people, they take ownership of the brand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Challenged about it, Goldsmith stuck to his stubborn denials.

The Guardian

Challenged about their age, one adult explains that he had a "growth spurt".

The New York Times

Yesterday David Cameron was challenged about the review and employers' practices during Prime Minister's Questions.

Independent

Smith, who continues his evidence, has yet to be challenged about Michel's claim.

The Guardian

Pelzer spent much of an interview in which he was challenged about this impersonating Robin Williams and Bill Clinton.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "challenging about", ensure the context clearly specifies what aspect is difficult. For example, "What is challenging about learning a new language?"

Common error

Avoid using "challenging about" when a simpler term like "difficult" or "problematic" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging about" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, specifying what makes something difficult or demanding. It points to a specific aspect that poses a challenge. Examples from Ludwig confirm its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "challenging about" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that pinpoints the difficult or problematic aspects of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While effective, consider synonyms like "difficult regarding" or "problematic concerning" to avoid repetition. Remember to clearly define the specific challenge being discussed to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. This phrase, while valid, should be used thoughtfully to avoid convolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult regarding

Focuses on the difficulty concerning a specific subject.

problematic concerning

Highlights the problematic nature of something.

complex with respect to

Emphasizes the complexity in relation to a particular aspect.

tough in relation to

Indicates the toughness or rigor involved.

demanding when it comes to

Stresses the demanding nature of something, especially when facing it.

hard with regard to

Highlights the hardship involved with something.

complicated concerning

Similar to problematic, but emphasizes complication.

intricate in terms of

Focuses on the intricate details that make something challenging.

testing with respect to

Highlights the test or challenge something provides.

complex when considering

Highlights the complexity when considering something.

FAQs

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

Use "challenging about" to specify the difficult aspects of a topic. For example: "What's challenging about this project?" or "The most challenging part about the job is the long hours".

What are some alternatives to "challenging about"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult regarding", "problematic concerning", or "complex with respect to" depending on the context.

Is "challenging about" grammatically correct?

Yes, "challenging about" is grammatically correct when used to describe a particular difficulty or problem related to something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on numerous examples.

How does the formality of "challenging about" compare to other phrases?

"Challenging about" has a neutral to formal tone, suitable for academic, news, or professional contexts. Simpler words like "difficult" might be more appropriate in very informal settings.