challenging to discover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging to discover" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is difficult to find or uncover, often in contexts related to knowledge, information, or hidden truths. Example: "The solution to the complex problem was challenging to discover, requiring extensive research and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In the development of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), it is critically important, but remains challenging to discover new counter electrode (CE) materials to replace the expensive and precious platinum (Pt).

Electrochimica Acta

However, SVs are challenging to discover using present-day sequencing approaches, as they generally span genomic regions that are longer than the reads.

Bioinformatics

Furthermore, the biological phenotypes driven by each distinct epigenetic pathway in cancer have been challenging to discover due to the complex interplay among these enzymes.

BMC Medical Genomics

The ability to communicate and share genotype findings can elucidate novel disorders that would be challenging to discover based on phenotypic data alone.

Genome Medicine

It has been challenging to discover A-to-I RNA editing sites from RNA-seq datasets for a number of reasons.

BMC Genomics

Upon the characterization of functional CNVs and the concomitant population differentiation of the same variants suggestive of positive selection in different populations, it is challenging to discover the real effect of these changes on a pathway chain and to study the regulatory mechanisms in the cell that control the changes in gene concentration levels.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We are continuously challenged to discover new works of culture – and in the process don't allow any one of them to assume a weight in our minds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I need to let that stuff go, agreeing with Alain de Botton, who wrote, "We are continuously challenged to discover new works of culture — and, in the process, we don't allow any one of them to assume a weight in our minds".

The New York Times - Arts

Applicants will face physical challenges to discover if they can perform the daredevil stunts expected from presenters, such as parachuting with an RAF display team.

Independent

That makes the primary challenge to discover how to satisfy those cravings while staying as best as I can within the boundaries of what we know to be sane, or conscious, or well-informed — call it what you will — eating.

The New York Times - Food

The challenge to discover structure property relations in biological plywoods relies on the accuracy of determining the usually space-dependent chiral pitch of the plywoods.

Colloid and Interface Science Communications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "challenging to discover", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is proving difficult to find or uncover. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging to discover" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "The solution was challenging to discover", try "It was challenging to discover the solution" for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging to discover" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing the difficulty associated with the act of finding or uncovering something. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

14%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "challenging to discover" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing something that is difficult to find or uncover. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is most commonly used in scientific and news contexts to highlight the difficulties in research or understanding. To enhance clarity, ensure the context specifies what is difficult to discover, and avoid overuse of passive voice. Consider alternatives like "difficult to uncover" or "hard to ascertain" to add variety to your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys the degree of difficulty involved in a process of investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to uncover

Focuses on the act of revealing something hidden.

hard to ascertain

Emphasizes the difficulty in establishing something as true.

not easy to find

Simplifies the expression using more common vocabulary.

elusive to detect

Highlights the difficulty in noticing or sensing something.

problematic to identify

Indicates the act of recognition involves issues or obstacles.

taxing to unearth

Uses stronger vocabulary to convey the laborious effort of uncovering something.

testing to reveal

Highlights the act of unveiling something needs effort.

complex to unravel

Focuses on the difficulty in simplifying something intricate.

demanding to discern

Emphasizes the effort of recognizing something.

awkward to determine

Highlights the difficulty of definitively establishing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "challenging to discover" to describe something that is difficult to find, understand, or uncover. For example: "The cause of the disease was "challenging to discover" due to its complex nature."

What are some alternatives to "challenging to discover"?

Some alternatives include "difficult to uncover", "hard to ascertain", or "not easy to find". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "challenging to discover" or "difficult to discover"?

Both "challenging to discover" and "difficult to discover" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Challenging" might imply a greater degree of difficulty than "difficult", but the difference is subtle.

What makes something "challenging to discover"?

Something might be "challenging to discover" due to its complexity, obscurity, the lack of available information, or the need for specialized tools or knowledge to uncover it.