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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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challenging to observe

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

Nature

This dynamic material behaviour would be challenging to observe in experiments carried out after the shock event.

Science & Research

Nature

These subsurface storages and flow paths are challenging to observe directly even in intensively-studied watersheds where the latest geophysical tools can be deployed.

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.

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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

Nature

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.

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

Cough

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.

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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Common

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.

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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Most frequent sentences: