challenging procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging procedure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or method that is difficult or requires significant effort to complete. Example: "The team faced a challenging procedure when implementing the new software system, but their hard work paid off in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ear reconstruction remains a challenging procedure, especially in burn victims.

Burns

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a technically challenging procedure that could benefit from a virtual surgical rehearsal environment.

Stanford University

Removal of the Essure microinsert can be a technically challenging procedure.

Contraception

Orbital surgery is a challenging procedure because of its complex anatomy.

Journal of Surgical Education

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction is a challenging procedure.

European Urology

Adult scoliosis surgery is a challenging procedure with high rate of complications and reoperations.

The Spine Journal

However, the thoracic aorta presents certain unique features that make this a challenging procedure.

Seminars in Vascular Surgery

Surgical reconstruction of peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis is a technically challenging procedure due to the need to access all lobar and segmental branches.

Stanford University

Paracolostomy hernia repair (PHR) can be a challenging procedure associated with significant morbidity and high recurrence rates.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

Executing Hamm by lethal injection will almost certainly require "central vein access" — a challenging procedure under any circumstances, but one that would likely be much more complicated in Hamm's case, due to his lymphatic cancer.

The New Yorker

Dr. Mark M. Souweidane, director of pediatric neurosurgery at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, said trying to separate twins joined at the head was "physiologically probably the most challenging procedure we're ever asked to be involved with".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a procedure, use "challenging procedure" to emphasize the need for expertise and careful planning. This is particularly effective in fields like medicine, engineering, and technology where precision and skill are paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging procedure" to describe tasks that are only mildly difficult. Reserving the phrase for genuinely complex and demanding processes maintains its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging procedure" functions as a descriptive term, where the adjective "challenging" modifies the noun "procedure". It's used to denote that a particular process or method requires significant effort, skill, or presents notable difficulties, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenging procedure" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a process that requires considerable effort and skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various domains, especially in science, medicine, and engineering. While alternatives like "difficult process" or "complex operation" exist, "challenging procedure" specifically emphasizes the demanding nature of the method. To maintain clarity and impact, reserve this phrase for genuinely complex situations. Overall, "challenging procedure" is a versatile and effective way to communicate the intricacies of a given task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult process

Focuses on the difficulty aspect, less specific than procedure.

complex operation

Specifically refers to a surgical or technical undertaking that involves multiple steps and considerations.

complicated task

Highlights the intricate nature of the task at hand.

demanding undertaking

Emphasizes the high requirements and effort involved.

arduous endeavor

Implies a laborious and strenuous effort.

intricate activity

Refers to an action with many complex details and connections.

testing method

Highlights the difficulty in validating or verifying the results of the method.

problematic practice

Emphasizes the issues and potential difficulties associated with the practice.

delicate process

Suggests a process that requires careful handling and precision to avoid errors.

elaborate scheme

Refers to a plan or system that is complex and carefully arranged in detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "challenging procedure" to describe a process that requires significant effort and skill. For example: "Robot-assisted radical cystectomy is a "challenging procedure"." or "Ear reconstruction remains a "challenging procedure", especially in burn victims."

What are some alternatives to "challenging procedure"?

Alternatives include "difficult process", "complex operation", or "complicated task". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "challenging procedure"?

Use "challenging procedure" when referring to a task or process that demands a high level of skill, precision, and effort. It's particularly apt in technical or medical contexts where complexity is inherent.

Is "challenging procedure" formal or informal language?

"Challenging procedure" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. It avoids overly technical jargon while still conveying a sense of complexity.