it was certainly a challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was certainly a challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reflecting on a difficult task or experience that required significant effort or skill. Example: "Completing the marathon was certainly a challenge, but it was also incredibly rewarding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It was certainly a challenge to succeed Roy Hodgson after he successfully guided the club to a 10th place finish in 2011/12.

Independent

The look and feel of the film also appeared very male, and it was certainly a challenge to communicate the disarming sweetness that gradually emerges.

The Guardian - Film

Many experts said that it was not impossible for Mr. Gore to start a credible run for the presidency, but that it was certainly a challenge, especially given that the leading Democratic contenders have already built formidable war chests and organizations in the early voting states.

The New York Times

Don't get me wrong, it was certainly a challenge," he told BBC News.

BBC

"It was certainly a challenge to develop the singers who could eventually sing the leading roles, but people started to realise that the voices coming from the townships were magnificently suited to singing not only Gershwin but Verdi and Wagner and, with a little training, Mozart and Puccini too," Williams told me.

BBC

It was certainly a challenge when we were on set.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Here's the remedy: It's certainly a challenge, I won't pretend its not, but I have to remember the power to remind myself, "You almost didn't have a body at all, Rachael.

Huffington Post

It's certainly a challenge.

Yale University

"It's certainly a challenge that is worthy," Mr. Launius said.

The New York Times

"It is certainly a challenge," conceded Deborah S. Conrad, the chief marketing officer at Intel.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's not the worst we've ever seen, but it's certainly a challenge," Ms. Miller said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was certainly a challenge" to acknowledge the difficulty of a past task while maintaining a positive and forward-looking tone. This phrase is suitable for professional settings where you want to show you overcame difficulties.

Common error

Avoid using "it was certainly a challenge" in informal conversations where a simpler expression of difficulty might be more appropriate. Overuse in casual settings can sound overly formal or even sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was certainly a challenge" functions as a statement acknowledging the difficulty of a particular task or situation. As seen in the Ludwig examples, the phrase is often used to reflect on past experiences where overcoming obstacles required effort and skill. Ludwig AI validates the correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

22%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was certainly a challenge" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to acknowledge the difficulty of a particular task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, use it to reflect on overcoming difficulties while maintaining a positive tone. While appropriate for professional settings, avoid overusing it in casual conversations where simpler expressions might be more suitable. Alternatives like "it presented considerable difficulty" can add impact in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it presented considerable difficulty

Emphasizes the level of difficulty encountered.

it proved to be quite demanding

Highlights the demanding nature of the task or situation.

it involved a great deal of effort

Focuses on the amount of effort required.

it wasn't an easy feat

Highlights the accomplishment by implying it required special skills or abilities.

it posed a significant hurdle

Uses metaphor of an obstacle to highlight the difficulty.

it tested my abilities

Focuses on the personal challenge and testing of one's skills.

it required significant problem-solving

Emphasizes the analytical skills needed to overcome the challenge.

it pushed me to my limits

Highlights the extreme nature of the challenge and personal endurance.

it was no walk in the park

Uses an idiom to convey that the situation was not easy or pleasant.

it stretched my capabilities

Focuses on how the challenge expanded one's skill set or understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was certainly a challenge" to sound more impactful?

For a more impactful tone, consider phrases like "it presented considerable difficulty" or "it posed a significant hurdle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was certainly a challenge" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "it was certainly a challenge" is appropriate for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of difficulty overcome, suitable for reports, essays, or professional correspondence. However, assess the context; alternatives like "it presented considerable difficulty" might be a better choice.

What are some less formal alternatives to "it was certainly a challenge"?

In less formal settings, you could say "it wasn't easy", "it was tough", or "it was hard". These options are more conversational while still conveying the difficulty of the task.

How does "it was certainly a challenge" differ from "it was a challenge"?

Adding "certainly" emphasizes the degree of difficulty more strongly than simply saying "it was a challenge". "It was certainly a challenge" underscores that the task was notably difficult or demanding.