it is really challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is really challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is difficult or arduous to do. For example: "Figuring out the solution to this problem has been really challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He said: "For a school, say, in a very difficult area catering for children where it is really challenging to give them a good education they might say it is going to be very difficult for us to clear this new 85% hurdle.

The Guardian

"But it is really challenging.

BBC

It is really challenging when you have any job where success feels like a nebulous idea and you can't really pin it down and you have to basically decide that that is success.

Forbes

Thus it is really challenging to obtain a strain that can produce amylase meeting specific industrial demands.

BioMed Research International

Martin Houghton-Brown, chief executive of Missing People, said: "It is really challenging to provide coverage for every family of a missing person.

Independent

I think it is really challenging … but it was made on the basis that the financial model was not perceived to be viable by the Arts Council.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It was really challenging.

The New York Times

I love it, though, because it's really challenging.

The New York Times

"It was really challenging being the chief cheerleader for five research teams," Dr. Yager said.

The New York Times - Health

But it's really challenging if what you're selling is, in point of fact, granola.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's a great singer and it's really challenging to sing it.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is really challenging", ensure the context clearly specifies what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It is really challenging", specify "Solving this math problem is really challenging".

Common error

While "it is really challenging" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "it presents a real challenge" or "it is proving difficult" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is really challenging" functions as an adjective phrase, describing a noun or situation as difficult or demanding. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to express the degree of effort or skill required to overcome something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is really challenging" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a significant degree of difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "it presents a real challenge" or "it is proving difficult" to avoid repetition. Remember to ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and be mindful of the neutral register to maintain professionalism where needed. By understanding its usage and exploring alternatives, you can effectively convey the intensity of a challenge in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it presents a real challenge

This alternative uses a more formal tone by employing "presents a real challenge" instead of the more direct "it is really challenging".

it is proving difficult

This suggests that something is becoming challenging over time, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the difficulty.

it is a tough task

This alternative simplifies the sentiment, using the word "tough" to indicate difficulty.

it is quite demanding

Using "demanding" highlights the effort and resources required, making it a slightly more intense alternative.

it requires significant effort

This alternative focuses on the amount of effort needed, which may be useful in certain contexts.

it poses considerable difficulties

A more formal phrasing that emphasizes the substantial nature of the challenges involved.

it is highly taxing

This alternative emphasizes the depleting or exhausting nature of the challenge.

it is no walk in the park

This is an idiom that emphasizes the difficulty of the task, adding a touch of informality.

it is an uphill battle

This idiom describes a situation where progress is slow and requires a lot of effort against resistance.

it is a major undertaking

Suggests the task is significant and requires careful planning and execution.

FAQs

What does "it is really challenging" mean?

The phrase "it is really challenging" indicates that something is difficult and requires significant effort or skill to accomplish. It's used to describe tasks or situations that are not easy and may test one's abilities.

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

You can use "it is really challenging" to describe a task, situation, or activity. For example, you might say, "Learning a new language "is really challenging"" or "Balancing work and family life "is really challenging"."

What can I say instead of "it is really challenging"?

You can use alternatives like "it presents a real challenge", "it is proving difficult", or "it is quite demanding" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it is challenging" and "it is really challenging"?

Yes, adding "really" intensifies the level of difficulty. "It is challenging" indicates that something is difficult, while "it is really challenging" emphasizes that the difficulty is significant or considerable.