encounter a challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"encounter a challenge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult situation, such as: "We will have to be resolute if we encounter a challenge to our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

ARCHITECTURE critics poking around in Benjamin's ruin will encounter a challenge of minotaurian proportions.

The New York Times - Books

But he said he had yet to encounter a challenge he could not meet.

The New York Times - Science

Blair may encounter a challenge from rival centrist pro-European groupings, concerned that the former prime minister is the wrong messenger to combat populist anti-elitism.

The Guardian

So, what should you do if you encounter a challenge or barrier in casting your vote?

Huffington Post

When they encounter a challenge, we can remind them of the ways we've seen them work through problems.

HuffPost

You begin the long hike toward your treasure and encounter a challenge or two along the way.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A decade ago he finally encountered a challenge big enough to last him for the rest of his career: forging what he calls "a new American style," a musical vocabulary that makes full use of the classical tradition without sacrificing the folk and jazz that nourished him in his youth.

The New York Times - Arts

Scaling up quantum circuits also encounters a challenge in connectivity.

Nature

"If anything," Mr. Michaelson said, "this set a tremendous example that the industry and government were prepared to get behind the company when it encountered a challenge".

The New York Times

But not since he first won office in 1980, has he encountered a challenge like the one he and his party face this weekend.

The New York Times

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I encountered a challenge from a local guide who took us on a hike through the rainforest to a magnificent sky-blue river, called the Rio Celeste.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encounter a challenge", ensure that the nature of the challenge is either explicitly stated or easily understood from the context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying excessively on "encounter a challenge" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "face an obstacle" or "confront a difficulty" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encounter a challenge" functions as a verb phrase indicating the experience of facing a difficult situation. Ludwig examples show it used to describe both personal and professional scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "encounter a challenge" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English that describes facing a difficult situation. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage is generally appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, though varying your phrasing with synonyms can enhance your writing. Ludwig examples demonstrate its prevalence in news, science, and other diverse sources, highlighting its broad applicability. Remember to provide context regarding the challenge for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face an obstacle

This alternative replaces "challenge" with "obstacle", implying a barrier that needs to be overcome. It's a direct synonym with a slightly different connotation.

meet with adversity

This phrase uses "adversity" instead of "challenge", suggesting a more significant and negative difficulty.

confront a difficulty

This alternative uses the verb "confront" and the noun "difficulty", indicating a direct and potentially active engagement with the problem.

experience a setback

This phrase introduces the concept of "setback", implying a temporary delay or reversal in progress due to the challenge.

run into a problem

This is a more informal alternative, using "run into" to suggest a less anticipated or expected encounter with the challenge.

be up against a tough situation

This alternative describes the challenge as a "tough situation", emphasizing the difficulty and potential for struggle.

grapple with an issue

This phrase suggests a prolonged and intensive effort to deal with the challenge, described as an "issue".

contend with a hardship

This alternative introduces the concept of "hardship", indicating a severe or prolonged difficulty.

navigate a complex scenario

This alternative focuses on the act of dealing with the challenge, described as a "complex scenario", highlighting the need for careful maneuvering.

overcome an ordeal

This phrase suggests that the challenge is a particularly difficult or painful experience, described as an "ordeal", that needs to be overcome.

FAQs

What does "encounter a challenge" mean?

The phrase "encounter a challenge" means to come across or experience a difficult situation or obstacle that requires effort and problem-solving skills to overcome.

How can I use "encounter a challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "encounter a challenge" to describe someone's experience in facing a difficult task or situation. For instance, "The team expected to "encounter a challenge" when implementing the new system".

What are some alternatives to "encounter a challenge"?

Some alternatives to "encounter a challenge" include "face an obstacle", "confront a difficulty", or "meet with adversity". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "encounter a challenge" formal or informal?

"Encounter a challenge" is generally considered neutral to formal. While understandable in most contexts, consider using more specific language depending on the target audience and level of formality required.