challenging to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question or topic that is difficult to respond to or requires careful consideration. Example: "The question about the future of technology is quite challenging to answer, as it involves many variables and uncertainties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

How much will it cost?" Alas, that question has proven challenging to answer.

TechCrunch

For several participants, the broad question of "what is your role" was challenging to answer.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This question is challenging to answer, because it requires that multiple brains are analyzed using detailed cytoarchitectonic methods.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

This is challenging to answer without resorting to a quantitative systems model since feedback processes need to be taken into account, including the regeneration of lipid-poor ApoA-I via HDL remodeling.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Whether that it is sufficient to tame a powerful Chelsea team who make a habit of finishing agonisingly close to the prize is a question Mourinho will find challenging to answer convincingly.

The Guardian - Sport

I always find this a little challenging to answer, but I tend to say that I'm a performance artist who works in costume and makeup.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

She wants her readers to be challenged to answer the questions themselves.

The Guardian - Books

When he speaks to or on the Syrian media, his audience is very limited, and he is not pressed or challenged to answer the critical questions.

The New York Times

And they will be consistently challenged to answer the unending historic question: Will I overcome my fear and discomfort and speak up when someone is mistreated?

Huffington Post

Thus, the SARE students were challenged to answer a broad range of questions about their research.

CBE Life Sciences Education

"Congress and many Americans are going to say, if we own it, why can't we make these decisions?" one of Mr. Obama's top economic aides said, "and it's going to be a challenge to answer that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "challenging to answer" when you want to convey that a question or problem requires careful thought and may not have a simple or immediate solution.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging to answer" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "difficult to answer" or "hard to answer" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging to answer" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically a question or problem. It describes the quality of being difficult or complex to respond to. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenging to answer" effectively conveys the difficulty or complexity inherent in responding to a question or problem. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys correct usage across various domains, primarily news and media and scientific contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, varying your phrasing with synonyms like "difficult to answer" or "hard to answer" can enhance the impact of your writing. Using "challenging to answer" appropriately signals that thoughtful consideration is needed, marking you as a precise and articulate communicator.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to answer

Direct synonym, expressing the same level of difficulty.

hard to answer

Similar to 'difficult' but can imply a greater degree of effort required.

tough to answer

Informal synonym indicating a difficult response.

not easy to answer

Negation to convey difficulty in a mild way.

complex to answer

Implies difficulty arises from intricacy.

problematic to answer

Highlights potential issues or complications in responding.

delicate to answer

Suggests sensitivity and need for careful wording.

tricky to answer

Suggests the need for skill or tact in answering.

taxing to answer

Implies that answering requires considerable effort or energy.

awkward to answer

Indicates the response may cause discomfort or embarrassment.

FAQs

What does "challenging to answer" mean?

The phrase "challenging to answer" means that a question or problem is difficult to respond to or solve, typically requiring careful consideration and thought.

How can I use "challenging to answer" in a sentence?

You might say, "The implications of this policy are "challenging to answer" without further research" or "His motivations are "challenging to answer", given the conflicting evidence".

What are some alternatives to "challenging to answer"?

Alternatives include "difficult to answer", "hard to answer", or "not easy to answer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult to answer" or "challenging to answer"?

Both "difficult to answer" and "challenging to answer" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you wish to establish. "Challenging" might imply a more stimulating or intellectually engaging difficulty, while "difficult" is more general.