it is really daunting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is really daunting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something feels overwhelming or intimidating. Example: "Starting a new job can be really daunting, especially when you have to learn new skills quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is simply because it is really daunting to try and write seventy thousand words, when instead you can try and write a creative piece that is a thousand words, and have the lovely experience of finishing something that has a beginning, middle and end – a story, but on a small scale.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's really daunting.

The New York Times

But it was really daunting.

The New Yorker

It's really daunting at first, but I love being in lecture halls now.

The Guardian

I think the party was at Amnesia; it was really daunting.

Vice

A lot of recalculation needs to get done, and the problem is really daunting.

The Economist

Tennis is a very individual sport and it can be really daunting for very young girls".

Independent

"These are really daunting challenges.

The Guardian

But this time the challenges are really daunting.

The Economist

Managers can forget that 19 and 20-year-olds can be really daunted by 40- to-50-year-olds.

The Guardian

But taking on the print side of it is really a daunting challenge.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is really daunting", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "really" emphasizes the daunting nature, overuse can weaken your writing. Consider stronger, more specific adjectives like "overwhelming", "intimidating", or "formidable" for a more impactful effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is really daunting" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to express that something evokes a feeling of being overwhelmed or intimidated. This is supported by the examples, where various situations are described as daunting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is really daunting" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that feels overwhelming or intimidating. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, and science, and it's considered neutral in register. While effective, consider using stronger synonyms or more specific adjectives to avoid overuse of "really" and enhance your writing's impact. Remember to clearly identify what "it" refers to for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's truly intimidating

Replaces "really daunting" with "truly intimidating", keeping the overall meaning but with a slight shift in intensity.

it feels overwhelming

Focuses on the feeling of being overwhelmed rather than the daunting nature of something.

it presents a significant challenge

Highlights the challenging aspect of the situation, downplaying the feeling of intimidation.

it is quite formidable

Replaces "really daunting" with "quite formidable", suggesting a strong sense of difficulty or opposition.

it appears insurmountable

Emphasizes the seeming impossibility of overcoming the challenge.

it seems unachievable

Similar to "it appears insurmountable", this focuses on the perceived lack of achievability.

it fills me with trepidation

Shifts the focus to the feeling of fear or anxiety caused by the situation.

it inspires a sense of dread

Highlights the negative anticipation and fear associated with the task.

it is an uphill battle

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe the difficulty and effort required.

it's a tough nut to crack

Another metaphorical expression emphasizing the difficulty of solving or dealing with the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is really daunting" to describe a task, challenge, or situation that feels overwhelming or intimidating. For example, "Starting a new business "it is really daunting", but also very rewarding."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is really daunting"?

Alternatives to "it is really daunting" include "it feels overwhelming", "it is truly intimidating", or "it presents a significant challenge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is really daunting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is really daunting" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. The structure follows standard English grammar rules.

When is it appropriate to use "it is really daunting"?

It's appropriate to use "it is really daunting" in situations where you want to express that something feels significantly challenging, overwhelming, or intimidating. The tone is generally neutral, so it fits various contexts.