challenging thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging thing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is difficult or requires effort to accomplish. Example: "Learning a new language can be a challenging thing, but with dedication and practice, it can also be very rewarding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's got to be a very emotionally draining and challenging thing".

The New York Times

The only (challenging) thing was all the extras I had in the courtroom and the pressroom.

Huffington Post

You've done a great, challenging thing for charity.

WikiHow

Advocacy is a challenging thing.

The Guardian

"It's a challenging thing," he admits, smiling.

The Guardian

What's been the most challenging thing to learn in rehearsal?

The New York Times

"Navigation would be the challenging thing," a federal official said.

The New York Times

"It is a very challenging thing to do.

The New York Times

What was the most challenging thing about Stag's Leap?

The Guardian - Books

And that's quite a challenging thing when you're 17".

The Guardian - Film

What is the most challenging thing about running in Uganda?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace 'thing' with a more specific noun (e.g., 'task', 'situation', 'endeavor') for increased clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging thing" as a generic substitute for more descriptive terms. Instead of saying 'Communication was a challenging thing', specify the challenge: 'Communicating effectively across different departments proved challenging'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "challenging" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "thing". According to Ludwig's analysis, it's a grammatically correct way to describe something that presents difficulty or requires effort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "challenging thing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that presents a degree of difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for general use. While relatively common, it can sometimes benefit from being replaced with more specific synonyms such as "difficult task" or "formidable challenge" to enhance clarity. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media. For increased impact, consider specifying the precise nature of the challenge instead of relying solely on the broad term "thing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formidable challenge

This alternative emphasizes the imposing and daunting nature of the challenge.

difficult task

This alternative replaces the general term 'thing' with the more specific 'task', implying a defined piece of work.

arduous undertaking

This option uses more formal and intense vocabulary to emphasize the effort required.

demanding endeavor

This phrase highlights the demanding nature of the activity, focusing on the effort and resources required.

significant hurdle

This alternative focuses on the obstacle aspect, highlighting something that needs to be overcome.

tough proposition

This alternative suggests a situation that is difficult to deal with or accept.

testing ordeal

This phrase implies a difficult and prolonged experience that tests one's endurance.

laborious process

This phrase emphasizes the amount of work and effort involved.

complex matter

This phrase emphasizes the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the subject.

intricate situation

This alternative highlights the complex and interwoven nature of the circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "challenging thing" to describe a task, situation, or experience that requires effort and skill. For example, "Learning to code is a "challenging thing" for beginners".

What are some alternatives to "challenging thing"?

Alternatives include "difficult task", "complex matter", or "formidable challenge", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "challenging thing" or a more specific phrase?

While grammatically correct, "challenging thing" can sometimes be vague. Using a more specific phrase like "demanding endeavor" or "arduous undertaking" often provides greater clarity and impact.

What makes something a "challenging thing"?

A "challenging thing" is characterized by its difficulty, the effort required to overcome it, and the need for specific skills or strategies to succeed.