confronting a challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confronting a challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of facing or dealing with a difficult situation or obstacle. Example: "She has always been known for her resilience, especially when it comes to confronting a challenge head-on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This beautiful strapping actress, model and sometime Broadway performer, now 45, is not one to "wimp out" (her words) when confronting a challenge.

The New York Times - Arts

But he said he hoped it would "encourage other businessmen to get involved" in confronting a challenge that "boggles the mind".

The New York Times

Besides his strong credentials for the job, Mr Draghi shares with Mr Trichet a pragmatic streak, a desirable characteristic when confronting a challenge as grave as the euro crisis.Not all of Mr Draghi's background works in his favour.

The Economist

Long a country with an almost unmatched restaurant and bar culture, Spain is confronting a challenge in its kitchens that could threaten its role as a leader in global cuisine and its place on international lists of top restaurants.

The New York Times - Food

After losing an April appeal and confronting a challenge by Republican senator Rand Paul to deny Barron a federal judgeship, the Obama administration agreed not to fight the document's disclosure.

The Guardian

PARENTS who thought they had planned enough, saved enough and struggled enough to see their children through college are confronting a challenge they never anticipated -- what to do when junior comes home one weekend and announces that he is deep in debt on credit cards they didn't even know he had.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We must confront a challenge that is as great and as pressing as the rise of the Axis powers.

The Guardian - Opinion

To be a writer, especially a famous poet, in this war zone was to confront a challenge that was political, artistic and tribal.

The Guardian - Books

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, however, Mr. Wilhelm has confronted a challenge that is testing his mettle like nothing before.

The New York Times

8 P.M. (Fox) MASTERCHEF In a two-hour episode the remaining 13 contestants confront a challenge with an unexpected ingredient before Christine Ha, the Season 3 winner, shows up for the elimination round.

The New York Times - Arts

Revis tore a knee ligament last Sunday against the Dolphins, forcing the Jets to confront a challenge of a magnitude that only two other teams of recent vintage — the Brady-less Patriots and the Colts without Manning — have faced.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "confronting a challenge" is generally appropriate, alternatives like "addressing a problem" may be more suitable in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "confronting a challenge" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely require significant effort or resilience. Using it for trivial matters can sound overdramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confronting a challenge" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or part of a verb phrase to describe the action of facing something difficult. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confronting a challenge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of actively addressing a difficult situation. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It finds common usage in news, academic, and professional contexts, signaling a deliberate and determined approach. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations that genuinely require significant effort, avoiding overuse in trivial scenarios. Alternatives such as "facing an obstacle" or "addressing a problem" can offer nuanced variations. Ludwig's analysis confirms its place as a valuable and descriptive phrase in diverse forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing an obstacle

Replaces "challenge" with "obstacle" for a slightly different nuance.

addressing a problem

Focuses on actively dealing with a difficulty.

tackling a difficulty

Emphasizes a proactive approach to a difficult situation.

dealing with an issue

Presents a more general approach to handling a situation.

overcoming an adversity

Highlights the act of successfully surpassing a difficult situation.

meeting a difficulty

Suggests encountering and addressing a problem head-on.

grappling with a problem

Implies a struggle or wrestling with a complex issue.

contending with an obstacle

Suggests actively fighting against an impediment.

managing a crisis

Specifically refers to handling a critical or urgent situation.

resolving a problem

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific issue.

FAQs

What does "confronting a challenge" mean?

The phrase "confronting a challenge" refers to the act of facing a difficult situation or obstacle directly and actively. It implies a proactive approach to dealing with something demanding effort or resilience.

What can I say instead of "confronting a challenge"?

You can use alternatives like "facing an obstacle", "addressing a problem", or "tackling a difficulty" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "confronting a challenge"?

It is appropriate to use "confronting a challenge" when describing situations that involve significant difficulties, obstacles, or adversities that require a direct and proactive approach to overcome.

Is "confronting a challenge" formal or informal?

The phrase "confronting a challenge" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may sound slightly more formal than simpler alternatives like "facing a problem".