contend with a challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contend with a challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing facing or dealing with difficulties or obstacles in various contexts, such as personal, professional, or academic situations. Example: "In her new role, she had to contend with a challenge that tested her leadership skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The architect of that repeal, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, must still contend with a challenge to his efforts in federal court, a campaign on Capitol Hill to roll his changes back and a slew of states that are looking to regulate in the FCC's place.

The Washington Post

Porto also have to contend with a challenge from the other side of the capital.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Ratner must also contend with a legal challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, Mr. Ratner must contend with a legal challenge by opponents and a weak real estate market that could undercut plans to build as many as 6,400 apartments at Atlantic Yards.

The New York Times

Instead, it had to contend with a growing military challenge from China, and a host of smaller adversaries, many of them oil-rich countries with a majority-Muslim population: Iraq, Libya, Iran, Sudan.

The Guardian

The scientists had to contend with a variety of challenges, including being able to collect enough blood from Scott (blood volume shrinks during space flight due to dehydration. One shipment of equipment blew up aboard a SpaceX rocket.

The Guardian

Now Mr Cameron also has to contend with a bold and serious challenge on the centre ground from a Labour leader whom the Tory high command was preparing – and may still be preparing – to spend the week rubbishing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whoever takes on the job would have to contend with a far broader set of challenges, Costolo said.

The Guardian - Tech

His successor will have to contend with a range of staggering practical challenges, including a perennial shortage of priests and nuns worldwide, as well as a sexual abuse crisis that has undermined the church's moral authority, especially in Germany and the English-speaking countries where it has been most aggressively discovered.

The New York Times

He might be the most vulnerable Republican running in 2018 and is contending with a primary challenge from the Trump wing of the party.

The Washington Post

Mr. Gore must contend with an unanticipated, and threatening, challenge from former Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey, and Mr. Bush faces one from Senator John McCain of Arizona.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contend with a challenge" to depict a situation where someone is actively dealing with difficulties that require effort and resilience. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting the ongoing nature of the effort to overcome the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "contend with a challenge" for trivial or easily resolved issues. This phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely demand effort and resilience, not minor inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contend with a challenge" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of grappling with or managing a difficult situation. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It directly expresses the effort or struggle involved in dealing with something problematic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contend with a challenge" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that means to grapple with or manage a difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. Although it appears more frequently in contexts like News & Media, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse writing purposes. Alternative phrases like "face a difficulty" or "deal with a problem" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey, but "contend with" specifically emphasizes the sustained effort involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face a difficulty

Focuses on the act of encountering a problem.

grapple with an issue

Emphasizes a more prolonged and intense struggle.

deal with a problem

Suggests a more practical and direct approach to resolving an issue.

tackle an obstacle

Implies a proactive and determined effort to overcome a barrier.

confront an adversity

Highlights the act of facing something unfavorable or difficult.

handle a setback

Refers to managing or dealing with a negative turn of events.

address a concern

Focuses on giving attention to a matter of worry or importance.

navigate a hurdle

Suggests carefully maneuvering through a difficult situation.

overcome an impediment

Emphasizes successfully removing a barrier or obstruction.

meet an exigency

Highlights the act of responding to an urgent need or demand.

FAQs

How can I use "contend with a challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "contend with a challenge" to describe facing difficulties. For example: "The company had to "contend with a challenge" to stay afloat during the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "contend with a challenge"?

Alternatives include "face a difficulty", "grapple with an issue", or "deal with a problem", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "contend with a challenge" or "face a challenge"?

"Contend with a challenge" and "face a challenge" are both valid, but "contend with" suggests a more sustained effort in dealing with the difficulty, whereas "face" simply implies an encounter with it.

What's the difference between "contend with a challenge" and "overcome a challenge"?

"Contend with a challenge" implies an ongoing struggle or effort in dealing with a difficulty, while "overcome a challenge" suggests that the difficulty has been successfully resolved or surpassed.