is really challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is really challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task, situation, or problem that requires significant effort or skill to overcome. Example: "The project we are working on is really challenging, but I believe we can succeed with teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

So design-wise this is really challenging".

The New Yorker

"A lot of the Back in Black stuff is really challenging.

The Guardian - Music

However, any learning activity that involves pupils with differing abilities is really challenging to get right.

The Guardian

"When you're shooting for the moon, the nature of the work is really challenging.

The New York Times - Tech

And to ask an animator to copy that onto a computer model and capture a human performance is really challenging".

The Guardian

I've worked in war zones, in Afghanistan and refugee camps in Somalia, but this assignment is really challenging.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"For obvious reasons, Mumbai is really challenged; it's really bursting at the seams," Mr. Chavan said during an interview at his home office one recent Saturday evening.

The New York Times

But there are certain aspects of mental life that if we lose, then the self is really challenged".

The New York Times - Arts

It was really challenging.

The New York Times

It will be really challenging.

The Guardian - Sport

"That was really challenging and draining.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is really challenging" to convey a significant degree of difficulty, but avoid overuse by varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "presents a considerable challenge" or "is exceptionally difficult".

Common error

While "is really challenging" is acceptable, excessive use of "really" can weaken your writing. In formal contexts, consider stronger, more precise adjectives to describe the challenge, such as "demanding", "arduous", or "complex".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is really challenging" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun by ascribing the property of being difficult or demanding. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is really challenging" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe something that requires significant effort or skill. While it is acceptable in most contexts, Ludwig suggests that stronger, more precise alternatives like "exceptionally difficult" or "particularly demanding" might be more impactful in formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms that it's widely used across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Science, making it a versatile phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is exceptionally difficult

This phrase directly states a high degree of difficulty, with 'exceptionally' amplifying the intensity.

is particularly demanding

This option focuses on the high level of effort or requirements involved.

is far from straightforward

This implies the challenge lacks simplicity or directness, suggesting possible complications.

presents a considerable challenge

This alternative uses more formal language, emphasizing the significant obstacle posed.

is no walk in the park

This is an idiomatic expression that conveys the challenge is far from easy.

is intensely complex

This highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the challenge.

poses a significant hurdle

This alternative suggests a barrier that needs to be overcome, highlighting the obstruction aspect of the challenge.

is a true test

This phrase emphasizes the ability of the challenge to reveal one's skills or capabilities.

requires substantial effort

This phrase shifts the focus to the amount of work needed to address the challenge.

is quite arduous

This alternative suggests that the task is not just challenging, but also tiring and prolonged.

FAQs

How can I use "is really challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "is really challenging" to describe tasks, situations, or problems that require significant effort or skill. For example, "The project we are working on is really challenging, but I believe we can succeed."

What are some alternatives to "is really challenging"?

You can use alternatives like "is exceptionally difficult", "presents a considerable challenge", or "is particularly demanding" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is really challenging" in formal writing?

While "is really challenging" is understandable, it might be more impactful to use more precise or formal alternatives like "requires substantial effort" or "is intensely complex" in formal contexts.

When should I use "is really challenging" versus "is very challenging"?

Both "is really challenging" and "is very challenging" are similar, but "really" can sometimes add slightly more emphasis. However, consider using stronger and more descriptive words to convey the difficulty instead of relying on adverbs like "really" or "very".