Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's challenging
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
it's difficult
it requires effort
it presents difficulties
it's troublesome
It's not very probable
it's unlikely
it's improbable
it's questionable
it is improbable
it is doubtful
it is questionable
it's improbable that
chances are slim
it's a long shot
it's impossible
it's uncertain
it's unbelievable
it's unlikely that
it's doubtful that
certainly won't
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
It's challenging.
News & Media
A It's challenging.
News & Media
A: No. It's challenging.
News & Media
It's challenging to him.
News & Media
Yes, it's challenging.
News & Media
"It's challenging on a daily basis".
News & Media
It's challenging the culture, challenging the men".
News & Media
"It's fast, it's smooth and it's challenging.
News & Media
I think at times it's challenging.
News & Media
"I think it's challenging [for them].
News & Media
My kids are mastering puzzles, it's challenging their thinking.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "it's challenging", be specific about what aspect is difficult. Providing context enhances clarity and impact.
Common error
Avoid using "it's challenging" as a vague statement. Always follow up with a reason or explanation to clarify the specific difficulty involved. For example, instead of saying "The project is challenging", specify "The project is challenging due to the tight deadline".
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it's challenging" functions primarily as a subjective assessment, expressing that a particular task, situation, or activity presents a degree of difficulty and requires effort. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts to describe demanding situations.
Frequent in
News & Media
78%
Formal & Business
10%
Science
5%
Less common in
Academia
3%
Encyclopedias
2%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it's challenging" is a prevalent phrase used to express that something is difficult and requires effort. Grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, it serves to manage expectations and highlight the demanding nature of a task or situation. Alternatives like "it's difficult" or "it's demanding" can be used depending on the specific nuance. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase has widespread application and clear communicative intent.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it's difficult
Uses a more common synonym for "challenging", indicating a lack of ease.
it's demanding
Replaces "challenging" with a synonym that emphasizes the high requirements or effort needed.
it's tough
A more informal synonym for "challenging", suggesting resilience is needed.
it's complex
Indicates intricacy and difficulty in understanding or dealing with something.
it's a struggle
Emphasizes the act of contending with difficulty.
it requires effort
Shifts the focus to the need for exertion to overcome the difficulty.
it presents difficulties
Highlights the obstacles or problems that something poses.
it's no walk in the park
An idiomatic expression indicating that something is not easy.
it's problematic
Highlights that something causes or involves problems.
it's an uphill battle
Suggests a prolonged and arduous struggle.
FAQs
What does "it's challenging" mean?
The phrase "it's challenging" means that something is difficult and requires effort or skill to overcome. It implies that the task or situation is not easy and may test one's abilities.
How can I use "it's challenging" in a sentence?
You can use "it's challenging" to describe a task, situation, or activity that requires effort and skill. For example, "Learning a new language is challenging", or "Managing a large team can be challenging".
What can I say instead of "it's challenging"?
You can use alternatives like "it's difficult", "it's demanding", or "it's complex" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "it's challenging" or "it is challenging"?
Both "it's challenging" and "it is challenging" are grammatically correct. The contracted form, "it's challenging", is more common in informal contexts, while "it is challenging" may be used for emphasis or in more formal writing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested