challenging landscapes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging landscapes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe difficult or complex environments, whether literal (like geographical landscapes) or metaphorical (like social or emotional situations). Example: "The artist's work often reflects the challenging landscapes of her childhood, filled with both beauty and hardship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Implications of the Late Pleistocene pulsing for the colonisation of high elevations by early modern humans in Africa ahead of dispersals into challenging landscapes beyond the continent are discussed.

Quaternary International

Riders need never leave Devon to experience the most diverse and challenging landscapes on the entire route, though.

The Guardian - Travel

It has taken a while, but Tolkien and Northumberland enthusiast Phil Murray has discovered that the backdrop of the hobbits' Shire, gentle but with a hint of far more challenging landscapes close at hand, is actually just up the road from his home in Rothbury.

The Guardian

She added: "It will connect communities across some of the most challenging landscapes in Europe and provides a platform for future economic development and regeneration.

BBC

By implementing these model refinements, REGFLEC demonstrated its utility for within-field characterization of vegetation conditions over the challenging landscapes typical of dryland agricultural regions, offering a means through which improvements can be made in the management of these globally important systems.

Remote Sensing of Environment

Therefore, the impact on colonies may be greater in challenging landscapes or weather conditions (31).

FASEB Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

To join this crowded club car, you must be train-obsessed, and possess a profound appreciation for the conquest of challenging landscape by powerful machinery moving ever forward.

The New York Times

This paper describes how these phenomena challenge landscape designers, planners, and researchers at methodological and heuristic as well as ethical levels, and place them in a privileged role of great responsibility in guiding the future of the rural landscape.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Conservation planning is challenging in landscapes where reoccurring habitat destruction and subsequent recovery affect metapopulation persistence, because different species respond differently to landscape change.

Biological Conservation

No-where is this more evident that in local government where municipalities are expected to lead on carbon reduction initiatives whilst operating in challenging political landscapes.

Energy Research & Social Science

"That's not as challenging a landscape as dense forest regions that make it so difficult to stop," Mr. Owens said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing literal landscapes, consider specifying the exact nature of the challenge, such as elevation, weather, or terrain. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid applying the phrase too broadly to non-environmental contexts where more specific descriptors would be more effective. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging landscapes" functions as a noun phrase, where 'challenging' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'landscapes'. It's used to describe environments that present difficulties or require significant effort to navigate or thrive in, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenging landscapes" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, according to Ludwig, primarily employed to describe environments, both literal and metaphorical, that pose significant difficulties. While categorized as "uncommon" in terms of frequency, it finds application across diverse fields, predominantly in science and news media. To enhance clarity and specificity, consider elaborating on the precise nature of the challenge within the landscape. While versatile, avoid overuse in contexts where a more targeted descriptor might be more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult terrains

Focuses specifically on the physical difficulty of the terrain.

demanding environments

Emphasizes the high demands placed on those within the environment.

complex ecosystems

Highlights the intricate and often difficult-to-understand nature of ecological systems.

arduous topographies

Uses more formal language to describe physically taxing landscapes.

testing natural settings

Focuses on the challenging aspect of natural settings, implying a trial or test.

formidable wilderness

Emphasizes the intimidating and powerful nature of wild landscapes.

rough landscapes

Simple and direct way to describe landscapes with uneven or harsh features.

inhospitable environments

Highlights the lack of hospitable conditions for life or activity.

strenuous landscapes

Focuses on the physical effort required to traverse or exist within these landscapes.

unforgiving terrains

Emphasizes the harshness and lack of leniency in the landscape.

FAQs

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

You can use "challenging landscapes" to describe environments that present difficulties, such as: "The explorers faced numerous obstacles while traversing the challenging landscapes of the Himalayas".

What are some synonyms for "challenging landscapes"?

Alternatives include "difficult terrains", "demanding environments", or "formidable wilderness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "challenging landscapes" metaphorically?

Yes, "challenging landscapes" can be used metaphorically to describe difficult situations or complex scenarios, such as "navigating the challenging landscapes of international diplomacy".

What makes a landscape "challenging"?

A landscape can be considered "challenging" due to factors like extreme weather, difficult terrain, remote location, or limited resources. These factors can present significant obstacles to those who live in or traverse the area.