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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
challenging to observe
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "challenging to observe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is difficult to notice or perceive, often in contexts related to behavior, phenomena, or conditions. Example: "The subtle changes in the ecosystem can be challenging to observe without careful monitoring."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
11 human-written examples
Complex interactions between electrons and atoms make the pseudogap theoretically difficult to describe, and its chaotic nature challenging to observe.
Science & Research
This dynamic material behaviour would be challenging to observe in experiments carried out after the shock event.
Science & Research
These subsurface storages and flow paths are challenging to observe directly even in intensively-studied watersheds where the latest geophysical tools can be deployed.
Academia
However, until now this effect has been challenging to observe because, first, it is experimentally difficult to apply a sufficiently large thermal bias at the nanoscale and, second, it is difficult to distinguish thermal bias effects from purely temperature-dependent effects due to overall heating of a device.
However, it is challenging to observe these patterns in the rock media.
The As(GS 3 complex is unstable in vitro, so it is challenging to observe its interaction with enzymes.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
However, it remains a major challenge to observe the coexistence of different types of recurrences owing to the spontaneous symmetry-breaking nature of such a phenomenon.
Science & Research
The BALB/c mice were euthanized on day 15 after L3 challenge to observe effect of vaccination on development of L3 to L4.
Furthermore, over a 9-month period it will be a challenge to observe significant between group changes when comparing the (S partner intervention with control schools.
Science
To test this hypothesis we employed nasal nociceptive stimulation by TRPA1 ligands and nasal menthol challenges to observe whether and how it does influence the cough responsiveness in humans.
Science
Because EM requires chemical fixation or freezing, it has not been possible to observe, in real time, how microtubule dynamics might influence structure and vice versa; it also remains technically challenging to directly observe some MAPs, especially small ones, by EM.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "challenging to observe", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the observation is difficult. Specify any contributing factors, such as technological limitations, environmental conditions, or inherent properties of the subject.
Common error
Avoid using "challenging to observe" when describing something that is merely uncommon or requires simple attention. Reserve the phrase for situations where genuine obstacles impede observation.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "challenging to observe" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing a quality of something that makes it difficult to perceive or detect. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often modifies nouns referring to phenomena, behaviors, or conditions.
Frequent in
Science
50%
Academia
23%
News & Media
15%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "challenging to observe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that is difficult to perceive or detect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly employed in scientific and academic contexts to highlight observational difficulties. When writing, ensure the context clearly explains why something is challenging to observe. While alternatives like "difficult to detect" or "hard to notice" exist, "challenging to observe" emphasizes the effort and skill required for observation.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
difficult to detect
Focuses on the difficulty of detection rather than the act of observing.
hard to notice
Emphasizes the effort needed to become aware of something.
not easily seen
Highlights the lack of visibility.
obscure to perceive
Uses more formal language to describe the difficulty in understanding or noticing.
elusive to detect
Suggests that something is hard to catch or find.
tough to make out
Implies a struggle in discerning something due to poor conditions or lack of clarity.
imperceptible to the eye
Highlights the fact that something cannot be seen without aid.
presents an observational challenge
Rephrases the idea as presenting a difficulty for observers.
poses difficulties for observation
Highlights the difficulty more explicitly.
observationally demanding
Shifts the focus to the demanding nature of the observation process.
FAQs
How can I use "challenging to observe" in a sentence?
You can use "challenging to observe" to describe phenomena that are difficult to perceive or detect. For example: "The subtle changes in the patient's behavior were "challenging to observe" without specialized training."
What are some alternatives to "challenging to observe"?
Some alternatives include "difficult to detect", "hard to notice", or "not easily seen" depending on the specific context.
Is it better to say "challenging to observe" or "difficult to observe"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Challenging to observe" implies that the difficulty requires significant effort or skill, while "difficult to observe" is a more general statement of the same idea. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
What makes something "challenging to observe"?
Various factors can make something "challenging to observe", including technological limitations, environmental conditions, the subtlety of the phenomenon itself, or the need for specialized expertise.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested