is even challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is even challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is particularly difficult or demanding, often in a context where one might not expect it to be so. Example: "The project, which seemed straightforward at first, is even challenging due to unforeseen complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But this time, China is even challenging Japan's claim to control the islands.

The Economist

Parliament is even challenging the authority of the mighty presidency.In this section Power grab River elegy What's Strine for "Asian century"?

The Economist

He said that News International has also changed the rules on the scheme and is even challenging those who have been informed by the Metropolitan police that their voicemails were hacked by the News of the World.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some southern constituencies are even challenging the usual deal of disarmament and integration, says Mr Lecocq.

The Economist

Today, with gigabyte memory chips inside them, they are even challenging optical drives.

The Economist

The government could not influence events outside Vienna any longer, and from October 30 it was even challenged in the central agencies by the German-Austrian state council.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Higgins' personal integrity was even challenged by the local newspaper.

Wikipedia

Sometimes, we are even challenged when we call out racism.

Huffington Post

Additionally there were even challenges in the earlier stages of product conception such as helping to make prototypes.

TechCrunch

Procuring ingredients is even more challenging.

The Guardian - Travel

The long term is even more challenging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is even challenging" to underscore an unexpected or increased level of difficulty. For example, "While the initial phase was tough, the next stage "is even challenging" due to new regulatory hurdles".

Common error

Avoid using "challenging" merely as a euphemism for difficult when a more precise word would better convey the specific nature of the difficulty. Overusing "challenging" can dilute its impact when you genuinely need to emphasize a significant hurdle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is even challenging" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as unexpectedly or increasingly difficult. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show it highlighting heightened difficulty levels.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is even challenging" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that underscores a surprising or escalating level of difficulty. Ludwig AI validates its structure, and real-world examples from sources like The New York Times and The Economist showcase its use across varied contexts such as geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and personal experiences. While the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing "is even challenging", consider whether more precise language might enhance clarity and avoid overusing it as a generic substitute for "difficult".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presents an even greater challenge

This alternative emphasizes the magnitude of the challenge in comparison to something else.

is proving to be especially difficult

This option highlights that something is becoming more difficult than initially anticipated.

poses a particularly tough problem

This phrase focuses on the problematic nature of the challenge.

is notably more demanding

This alternative highlights the increased effort required.

represents a heightened level of difficulty

This option formalizes the idea of increased difficulty.

is unexpectedly complex

This focuses on the surprise element of the complexity.

is surprisingly arduous

This conveys the unexpected hardship involved.

involves considerable hurdles

This option highlights the obstacles that need to be overcome.

is markedly more taxing

This alternative emphasizes the draining effect of the challenge.

constitutes a significant test

This option frames the challenge as an assessment of abilities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "is even challenging"?

Consider using alternatives such as "presents an even greater challenge", "is proving to be especially difficult", or "poses a particularly tough problem" for a similar meaning with a slightly different emphasis.

What does "is even challenging" mean in the context of project management?

In project management, "is even challenging" indicates that a particular task or phase is proving to be more difficult than initially anticipated. It suggests unexpected hurdles or complexities that require additional resources or innovative solutions.

When is it appropriate to use "is even challenging" in a formal setting?

It is appropriate to use "is even challenging" in formal settings when describing a situation where the level of difficulty is notably higher than expected. However, be mindful of the audience and consider whether a more precise term like "complex" or "demanding" might be more suitable.

How does the phrase "is even challenging" differ from "is still challenging"?

"Is still challenging" implies that something has been difficult from the beginning and continues to be so. In contrast, "is even challenging" suggests that something has become more difficult than it was initially, perhaps due to unforeseen circumstances.