challenging to get used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging to get used to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation, habit, or environment that requires time and effort to adapt to. Example: "Moving to a new city can be exciting, but it can also be challenging to get used to the different culture and lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While it was fun living with my friends, I will say it was a little challenging to get used to living with two guys.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As somebody from an emerging economy of the former Soviet Union, I often find it a challenge to get used to the conservatism of Britain.

The Economist

"There are definitely parts of it that are really challenging, having to get used to a whole new set of responsibilities, but for the most part it's been really fun and exciting.

Science Magazine

"Later I challenged myself to get used to it, even if people were embarrassed," she said.

The New York Times

This kind of interface sounds exciting, but also like something that might be challenging for consumers to get used to.

TechCrunch

WEEK TWO Motivating myself to start each morning is almost the biggest challenge and the hardest thing to get used to is exercising with the TRX in public.

Independent

Retailers have to get used to these challenges".

Independent

But until the region solves the challenge of unleashing productivity growth, get used to dispiriting tables like this one.

The Economist

"The challenge is that once people get used to getting something for free they expect that to continue," says Falvey.

Forbes

"The challenge is how quickly I'll get used to it and race with these guys.

The New York Times - Sports

They can gradually get used to different challenges, allowing them to feel in control of their environment and practice breathing exercises and other methods to cope with anxiety.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "challenging to get used to", consider the audience and context. In formal writing, "difficult to adjust to" or "hard to become accustomed to" may be more appropriate.

Common error

While "challenging to get used to" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "difficult to adjust to" or "requires adaptation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging to get used to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that something requires effort and time for adaptation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to describe situations or environments needing adjustment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science & Research

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenging to get used to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signals the need for adaptation to a new situation or environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for varied contexts. While alternatives like "difficult to adjust to" or "hard to become accustomed to" exist, "challenging to get used to" often implies a stimulating difficulty. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific publications, this phrase serves to temper expectations and acknowledge the efforts needed during the adaptation process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to adjust to

Replaces "challenging" with "difficult" and "get used to" with "adjust to", maintaining the same core meaning but with slightly stronger emphasis on the effort required.

hard to become accustomed to

Substitutes "challenging" with "hard" and "get used to" with "become accustomed to", offering a more formal alternative.

takes some getting used to

This phrase inverts the original structure, emphasizing the process of adaptation rather than the inherent difficulty.

not easy to adapt to

Uses a negative construction to convey the difficulty of adaptation, highlighting the effort involved.

requires adaptation

A more concise and formal way of expressing the need for adjustment, focusing on the required action.

demands acclimation

Similar to "requires adaptation" but with a stronger emphasis on the effort and commitment needed for adjustment.

presents an adjustment curve

Emphasizes the gradual process of adjustment, suggesting a learning curve involved in getting used to something new.

necessitates familiarization

A more formal and technical alternative, highlighting the need to become familiar with something new.

poses an adaptive hurdle

Uses stronger imagery to suggest the difficulties of adjusting.

is a matter of acclimation

This expression positions the challenge as solely requiring adaptation.

FAQs

What does "challenging to get used to" mean?

It means something is difficult to become familiar with or adapt to. It implies a period of adjustment is needed.

What can I say instead of "challenging to get used to"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to adjust to", "hard to become accustomed to", or "takes some getting used to" depending on the context.

How do I use "challenging to get used to" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a new situation, environment, or skill that requires effort to learn or adapt to. For example, "The new software is "challenging to get used to", but it's very powerful once you learn it."

Is it better to say "challenging to get used to" or "difficult to get used to"?

Both are correct, but "challenging" often implies that the difficulty is stimulating and potentially rewarding, while "difficult" simply indicates a struggle. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.