finds challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finds challenging" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe an activity, task, or situation that someone finds difficult or struggles with. For example: "She finds public speaking challenging, but she is determined to improve her skills." In this sentence, "finds challenging" is used to describe the subject's difficulty with public speaking.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But using Kannada on the Web involves computer keyboard maps that even Mr. Ram Prakash finds challenging to learn.

The New York Times - Tech

It was the second day that Mr. Romney sought to take up the mantle of change, seeming to delight in borrowing a slogan that Mr. Obama rode to the White House but now finds challenging to embrace.

The New York Times

Most patients are told to also schedule one or more naps of 10 to 20 minutes during the day, something Clea finds challenging to fit in until she gets home after school or dance class.

The New York Times

Dr. Love, who wrote a book called "Live a Little!," said illness has also made her grateful that she didn't put off her "bucket list" and that she has traveled the world and focused on work she finds challenging and satisfying.

The New York Times

Because Martin, in whatever he does, is a joyful performer of the highest quality, a 69-year-old still doing work that he finds challenging, still pushing himself as much as he can, still funny, still making stuff with increasingly sharper points, with subtler air quotes.

The Guardian

No matter what industry or setting, the one thing that every group finds challenging is holding back that judgement and critical analysis.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But new fossil finds challenge this theory.

Science Magazine

"Fossil finds challenge view of man's place in evolution".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The whole issue of biking with children is one I find challenging.

The New Yorker

Students can therefore spend a little longer working at their own pace on something they find challenging.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But what many listeners still find challenging is the lack of discernible exposition and development, as in "Rothko Chapel".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "finds challenging", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the challenge. Providing specific examples or details can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "finds challenging" without specifying the area of difficulty. For example, instead of saying "He finds learning challenging", specify "He finds learning mathematics challenging."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finds challenging" functions as a verb phrase where "finds" is the verb and "challenging" acts as an adjective complementing the verb. It describes someone's subjective experience of difficulty or struggle with something, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Science & Research

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "finds challenging" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something someone perceives as difficult. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase effectively conveys a personal assessment of difficulty across various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Science-related publications. While not exceedingly formal, it's versatile enough for general use, and it's crucial to provide context to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "struggles with" or "considers difficult" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considers difficult

Replaces "challenging" with "difficult", focusing on the level of effort required.

perceives as demanding

Substitutes "finds" with "perceives" and "challenging" with "demanding", highlighting the perceived intensity of the task.

struggles with

Emphasizes the active effort and difficulty experienced.

has difficulty with

Similar to struggles with but may suggest a more chronic or persistent issue.

finds tough

Replaces challenging with the more informal "tough".

experiences as arduous

Replaces finds challenging with more formal vocabulary.

grapples with

Suggests a prolonged and intense effort to overcome the challenge.

is taxed by

Focuses on the depleting effect of the challenge.

is bothered by

Highlights the annoyance and trouble caused by something.

is overwhelmed by

Implies that the subject feels overpowered by the difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "finds challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "finds challenging" to describe a task or situation someone perceives as difficult. For example, "She finds public speaking challenging" or "He finds the new software challenging to learn".

What are some alternatives to "finds challenging"?

You can use alternatives like "considers difficult", "struggles with", or "has difficulty with" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "finds challenging" or "finds it challenging"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "finds it challenging" is often preferred for clarity, especially when the object of "finds" isn't immediately clear. "She finds it challenging to manage her time effectively" sounds more natural than "She finds managing her time effectively challenging".

What's the difference between "finds challenging" and "is challenged by"?

"Finds challenging" expresses someone's subjective experience of difficulty. "Is challenged by" can imply a stimulating or motivating difficulty, as in "He is challenged by the complexity of the project", where the difficulty is seen as positive. However, sometimes "is challenged by" implies that the person is struggling or facing difficulties, similar to "finds challenging".