challenging to operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging to operate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a device, system, or process that is difficult to use or manage effectively. Example: "The new software is quite powerful, but many users find it challenging to operate without proper training."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It's been increasingly challenging to operate as an independent, ad-supported online video platform," he wrote.

The New York Times

Although Husam acknowledges it can be 'very challenging to operate an international business in Sudan due to the political instability, economic sanctions and insecurity' in some areas, he maintains Sudan presents high potentials for businesses – especially in the fields of natural resources management and agriculture.

Independent

It is still challenging to operate the MCFC to meet its varying demands because of its nonlinearity and complex dynamics.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

"In these tough economic times, it's been increasingly challenging to operate as an independent, ad-supported online video platform," Joost said on its blog in late June.

Forbes

In other words, the rest of China may be challenging to operate in, but these industrial zones were quicker to decide on investment and had tailored infrastructure and a migrant labour force to support business.

BBC

We progressives were outraged when George W. Bush rendered and tortured suspected terrorists but don't seem to care that President Obama finds it so politically challenging to operate by the rule of law that he just off-and-kills them on executive order.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

However, because outpatient imaging centers operate according to different business strategies and principles compared with hospital-based operations, many hospitals are challenged to operate outpatient facilities effectively.

Journal of the American College of Radiology

And it's a real challenge to operate at the scale that we're operating, but be as fast, as entrepreneurial as you need to be in a China or an India.

The New York Times

Paul Harwood, strategy and planning director at Network Rail, says: "Demand increasing all the time means it's a challenge to operate the trains quite as reliably because of the sheer number of people moving around".

The Guardian

"Epstein's is still a vibrant, independent department store, but if we had a crystal ball, we think it might become more and more of a challenge to operate 120,000 square feet of retail -- and we believe this is a better use for the property".

The New York Times

China situation: Drummond says it is an ongoing challenge to operate there.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "challenging to operate", consider specifying the reason for the challenge to provide more context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "challenging to operate" without explaining why. Always provide context or examples to illustrate the specific difficulties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging to operate" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing something as difficult or demanding in its operation. It often implies that special skills, knowledge, or resources are required for successful use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenging to operate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that presents difficulties in its use or management. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to specify the reasons why something is challenging to provide useful context. Alternatives include "difficult to manage", "hard to control", and "complex to run", which can add nuance depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to manage

Focuses on the management aspect of the difficulty, rather than the operation itself.

hard to control

Highlights the lack of control one might have over the entity being operated.

complex to run

Emphasizes the complexity involved in the process of running something.

not easy to use

Shifts the focus to the user experience and ease of use.

presents operational challenges

Formal way of referring to difficulties in a system's operation, emphasizes operational aspects.

poses implementation hurdles

Focuses on the obstacles encountered when trying to implement or get something running.

requires skillful handling

Highlights the need for expertise or skill to operate successfully.

demands careful execution

Stresses the importance of precision and care in carrying out the operation.

is fraught with difficulties

A more dramatic way of saying that the operation is likely to encounter many problems.

faces significant obstacles in its operation

Highlights substantial impediments in how something functions.

FAQs

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

You can use "challenging to operate" to describe a system, device, or process that is difficult to use or manage efficiently. For example, "The new software is quite powerful, but many users find it "challenging to operate" without proper training."

What can I say instead of "challenging to operate"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to manage", "hard to control", or "complex to run" depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Challenging to operate" might suggest a more stimulating or intellectually engaging difficulty, while "difficult to operate" is a more straightforward expression of usability issues.

What makes something "challenging to operate"?

Factors can include complex controls, lack of clear instructions, sensitivity to environmental conditions, or the need for specialized knowledge and skills. The specific reasons will vary depending on what is being operated.