it gets challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it gets challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that becomes more difficult over time or as it progresses. Example: "At first, the project seemed straightforward, but as we delved deeper, it gets challenging to manage all the moving parts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But, as Jeff explains in his post.... "Yeah, it gets challenging.

Huffington Post

One of the therapists indicated, "Either the 1 to 4 or 0 to 100 might provide a good system, but if it's not clearly defined, then the room for subjectivity is where it gets challenging".

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It gets challenged.

The New York Times

"This is the most massive potential public works project the town has ever seen, and clearly it's something the town is uneasy about, and it gets challenged," said Peter Boyer, a member of the Falmouth wastewater commission.

The New York Times

The undisguised message: "I not only have the resources to buy this tax instrument in the first place, but I have the resources to stare down the IRS if it gets challenged".

Huffington Post

She said it starts to get "challenging" when work comes into play and she has to fight through the illness with a smile.

Huffington Post

"We know it's going to get challenging going to San Jose".

The Guardian - Sport

Things get challenging.

The Guardian

In California, even if a single-payer bill passed it would probably get challenged at the ballot box by the insurance industry, according to Day.

Vice

When you get challenged, accept it and select any position on map to drive.

WikiHow

"It gets pretty challenging with a toddler in the car," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it gets challenging" when describing a process, task, or situation where the level of difficulty or complexity increases over time. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it gets challenging" when describing something that is inherently easy or expected to be simple. Overusing it in such contexts can diminish its impact and sound unnatural. Use it specifically when a situation truly escalates in difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it gets challenging" functions as a descriptive statement indicating an increase in difficulty. It often serves as a commentary within a narrative or explanation, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to reflect on the evolving nature of a situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it gets challenging" is a versatile expression used to signal an increase in difficulty or complexity. As analyzed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or business settings. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely escalate in difficulty, and to consider more precise alternatives for maximum impact. Based on the analysis, the usage of the expression is correct and can be used in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it becomes difficult

Focuses on the increasing level of difficulty.

it starts to be problematic

Emphasizes the emergence of problems or issues.

it turns into a struggle

Highlights the effort and resistance involved.

it poses difficulties

Highlights the fact that there are difficulties ahead.

it presents obstacles

Focuses on the barriers encountered.

it is proving to be tough

Highlights that the situation is showing it will be hard.

it is no walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the lack of ease.

it is not a piece of cake

Uses an idiomatic expression to emphasize it is not easy.

it escalates in complexity

Focuses on the growing complexity of the matter.

it intensifies in rigor

Emphasizes the increasing strictness and demand.

FAQs

What does "it gets challenging" mean?

The phrase "it gets challenging" means that something is becoming more difficult or complex as it progresses. It implies an increase in the level of effort, skill, or problem-solving required.

What can I say instead of "it gets challenging"?

You can use alternatives like "it becomes difficult", "it starts to be problematic", or "it turns into a struggle" depending on the context.

Is "it gets challenging" formal or informal?

"It gets challenging" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal situations, you might consider more sophisticated alternatives.

How can I use "it gets challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "it gets challenging" to describe various situations, such as "The project seemed easy at first, but "it gets challenging" as we delve deeper", or "Learning a new language is fun, but "it gets challenging" when you start studying grammar".