intellectually challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

"intellectually challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that requires an intellectual effort or that is stimulating to think about. For example, you could say, "This book is an intellectually challenging read - I'm learning so much!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's intellectually challenging.

The New Yorker

Modernism was formally difficult and intellectually challenging.

The New Yorker

And it was something intellectually challenging too".

Independent

For her, history is "intellectually challenging".

The New York Times

Intellectually challenging activities keep your brain agile.

Harvard University

So, these choices are intellectually challenging and tough to implement.

The Guardian

"Plus, some of these games are intellectually challenging".

The New York Times - Style

Q How was your first year as C.E.O.? A It certainly has been intellectually challenging.

The New York Times

Dr. Allais's hobby of experimental physics was as intellectually challenging as his profession.

The New York Times

I'll read People magazine — something that is interesting but not wildly intellectually challenging.

The New York Times

These are intellectually challenging pieces by a distinguished mind.In this section Bidder beware Wha's like them?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an activity or field, use "intellectually challenging" to convey that it requires deep thinking and problem-solving skills. For example: "Computer science is an "intellectually challenging" field that demands creativity and logical reasoning."

Common error

Avoid using "intellectually challenging" when simpler terms like "interesting" or "difficult" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Choose simpler terms for simple situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectually challenging" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe something that demands significant mental effort and stimulates cognitive processes. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectually challenging" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something requiring significant mental effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most common in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include "mentally stimulating" or "cognitively demanding". When using it, ensure it fits the context and isn't an overcomplicated way to describe something simple. Over 50 examples demonstrate its broad applicability across diverse subjects and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectually stimulating

A more general term that emphasizes the positive aspect of intellectual engagement.

challenging one's intellect

Focuses on the act of challenging one's own intellectual capabilities.

mentally stimulating

Focuses on the stimulating aspect of the challenge, highlighting its effect on the mind.

demanding intellectual work

Rephrases the concept to emphasize the effort and work involved.

cognitively demanding

Emphasizes the cognitive effort required, making it sound more technical or scientific.

conceptually complex

Highlights the complexity of the underlying concepts involved.

thought-provoking

Highlights the ability of something to inspire deep thought and reflection.

academically rigorous

Specifically refers to the high standards and demands of academic work.

brain-teasing

Suggests a playful but challenging intellectual exercise.

mentally taxing

Emphasizes the demanding and potentially tiring aspect of intellectual effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "intellectually challenging" to describe tasks, subjects, or activities that require significant mental effort. For example, "Solving complex puzzles is an "intellectually challenging" pastime".

What is a good alternative to "intellectually challenging"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "intellectually challenging" include "mentally stimulating", "cognitively demanding", or "thought-provoking".

Is "intellectually challenging" the same as "difficult"?

While both terms imply a degree of difficulty, "intellectually challenging" specifically refers to tasks that require mental effort and problem-solving skills. "Difficult" is a broader term that can refer to any kind of task that is not easy.

Which is correct, "intellectually challenging" or "intellectual challenging"?

"Intellectually challenging" is correct. "Intellectual" is an adjective, while "intellectually" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "challenging".