challenging matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a difficult or complex issue that requires careful consideration or effort to address. Example: "The committee is currently discussing a challenging matter that could impact the future of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Detecting speciation in the fossil record is a particularly challenging matter.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

With the spread of Web-Based Social Networks (WBSNs) managing access to data is a challenging matter.

Computers & Security

The design of an automatic control system that is robust against disturbance of inlet wastewater flow rate and has short process settling times is a challenging matter.

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering

This challenging matter underlines the importance of fall prevention and regular surveillance of older persons with a high risk of falling.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Spectrum sharing and multiple-access techniques are challenging matters for future wireless communication systems.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Students reaching this level have demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter, including subject matter knowledge, application of such knowledge to real-world situations, and analytical skills appropriate to the subject matter".

Huffington Post

"We knew it would be challenging subject matter," Rocky Mountain executive Ron Rodgers told Deadline in June.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Sehring noted that movies with relatively challenging subject matter ("4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days," about abortion in Ceausescu-era Romania) or form (the hand-drawn animation of "Persepolis") have often been overlooked.

The New York Times

Nationally, only 31 percent of fourth- grade public school students are at or above the "proficient" level in reading, a standard defined by the test as "competency over challenging subject matter".

The New York Times

The board that oversees the program defines three achievement levels for each test: "basic" denotes partial mastery of a subject; "proficient" represents solid academic performance and a demonstration of competency over challenging subject matter; and "advanced" means superior performance.

The New York Times

From the report,"less than one-half of students are demonstrating solid academic performance and competency over challenging subject matter".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "challenging matter", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the matter challenging. Provide specific details or examples to illustrate the difficulty or complexity involved.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging matter" as a vague substitute for more specific descriptions of a problem. Instead of simply stating that something is a "challenging matter", identify the precise nature of the difficulty or complexity. For example, instead of "budgeting is a challenging matter", try "budgeting is difficult due to fluctuating income".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging matter" functions as a noun phrase, where "challenging" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "matter". It describes a subject or issue that presents difficulties and requires significant effort to address. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "challenging matter" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a difficult or complex issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in scientific and news contexts, carrying a neutral tone. Consider alternatives like "difficult issue" or "complex problem" to tailor the message further. Ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the challenge when employing this phrase. Ludwig's examples and analysis provide a well-rounded understanding of its use and potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult issue

Replaces "challenging" with a more common synonym, focusing on the difficulty.

complex problem

Substitutes "matter" with "problem", highlighting the problematic nature.

thorny question

Uses a more figurative term, "thorny", to emphasize the difficulty and potential for conflict.

intricate situation

Emphasizes the complexity and the interconnectedness of the factors involved.

demanding task

Shifts the focus to the effort required to address the matter.

complicated affair

Uses "affair" to suggest a matter that is involved and potentially troublesome.

vexing issue

Highlights the frustrating and troublesome nature of the matter.

arduous undertaking

Focuses on the laborious and difficult nature of the task at hand.

sensitive subject

Indicates that the matter requires careful handling due to its potential to cause offense or controversy.

delicate situation

Suggests the matter needs to be handled with care and tact to avoid negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "challenging matter" to refer to a difficult or complex issue that needs careful consideration. For example: "Detecting speciation in the fossil record is a particularly "challenging matter".".

What are some alternatives to "challenging matter"?

Some alternatives include "difficult issue", "complex problem", or "thorny question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "challenging matter" in formal writing?

Yes, "challenging matter" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context. Consider alternatives if a more precise or impactful phrase is available.

What makes "challenging matter" different from "difficult matter"?

While similar, "challenging matter" often implies a need for skill and effort to overcome the difficulty, while "difficult matter" simply indicates that something is hard to deal with. The difference is subtle, but "challenging" suggests a more active engagement with the problem.