it is daunting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is daunting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is intimidating or overwhelming, often in the context of a challenge or task. Example: "Starting a new job can be daunting, especially when you have to learn new skills and meet new colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This week Lord Williams writes that when it comes to Syria "it is daunting to write that there is a slim prospect of international intervention, and if truth be told, even less of international justice".

BBC

Although plasma is readily obtainable, it is daunting in its proteomic complexity, owing to a vast dynamic range of component concentrations within a single sample that spans more than ten orders of magnitude [ 10].

Genome Medicine

Its user interface is unattractive, and it is daunting both to install and to upgrade.Enter Eazel, a Silicon Valley start-up, founded by members of the team that developed the original Apple Macintosh.

The Economist

It is daunting, she admits.

The Guardian - Books

It is daunting to imagine the recovery that lies ahead.

The New York Times

But the message seems to be getting through, even if acting on it is daunting.

The New York Times - Health

Operating at this level of flexibility can be as rewarding as it is daunting.

Harvard Business Review

And I've always wanted this much room to work, but it is daunting.

The Guardian - Music

I'm not nervous or apprehensive about it, but it is daunting".

The New York Times

This is the task: it is daunting, yes, but it is both crucial and possible.

The Guardian

"The range this year is as breathtaking as it is daunting.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "it is daunting". While common, it carries a slightly negative connotation, so choose alternatives for a more positive tone if needed.

Common error

While "it is daunting" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "it is challenging" or "it is intimidating" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is daunting" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a subjective assessment of a situation or task. It qualifies a subject by attributing to it the quality of being intimidating or overwhelming. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Books

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is daunting" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to express feelings of intimidation or being overwhelmed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is found frequently in News & Media, books and scientific publications. When writing, be mindful of potential over-usage and consider varying your language with similar alternatives such as "it is intimidating" or "it is challenging" to avoid repetition. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for use in most formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is intimidating

Emphasizes the feeling of being scared or discouraged by something.

it is overwhelming

Highlights the feeling of being burdened by too much to handle.

it is challenging

Focuses on the difficulty of a task or situation.

it is formidable

Suggests something that is powerful and difficult to overcome.

it is discouraging

Implies that something reduces one's enthusiasm or confidence.

it is disconcerting

Highlights something causing unease or confusion.

it is unnerving

Implies something making you feel anxious or apprehensive.

it is unsettling

Focuses on something causing disturbance or discomfort.

it fills me with dread

Highlights a feeling of great fear or apprehension about something.

it gives me butterflies

Expresses a feeling of nervousness or excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "it is daunting" in a sentence?

Use "it is daunting" to describe something that appears challenging, overwhelming, or intimidating. For example: "The prospect of public speaking is daunting for many people".

What can I say instead of "it is daunting"?

You can use alternatives like "it is intimidating", "it is challenging", or "it is overwhelming" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is daunting"?

Yes, the phrase "it is daunting" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in standard English.

What is the difference between "it is daunting" and "it seems daunting"?

"It is daunting" expresses a more direct assessment of something as intimidating or overwhelming, while "it seems daunting" suggests a perceived feeling or impression of something being intimidating but may not necessarily be the objective reality.