main challenge is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main challenge is" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the primary difficulty or obstacle in a situation or project. An example could be: "The main challenge is meeting the deadline." Alternative expressions include "primary obstacle is," "key issue is," and "central difficulty is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The main challenge is economical viability".

The New York Times

The main challenge is pollution.

The New York Times

The main challenge is making them watertight.

The New York Times

His main challenge is getting other unions to join in.

The Guardian

"My main challenge is just being a dad," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Its main challenge is to improve its sports facilities.

The Guardian

That's a high bar... "Our main challenge is mistrust.

The Guardian

Your main challenge is deciding where to begin.

Independent

His main challenge is keeping up with them.

The New York Times

"The main challenge is storing electricity," he said.

The New York Times

The main challenge is to make sure you have good people running the operation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "main challenge is" to clearly and directly identify the principal obstacle or difficulty. This ensures your communication is focused and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "main challenge is". Vary your language by using synonyms such as "key obstacle is", "primary difficulty lies in", or "biggest hurdle is" to maintain reader engagement and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main challenge is" serves as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies the primary difficulty or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main challenge is" is a versatile and frequently used expression to pinpoint the primary difficulty or obstacle in a given situation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Analysis reveals its prevalence in news, science, and formal business contexts. For stylistic variation, consider alternatives like "key obstacle is" or "primary difficulty lies in". Using "main challenge is" ensures clarity and focus, making it an essential tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key obstacle is

Focuses on the 'key' aspect making it slightly more emphatic than "main".

primary difficulty lies in

Highlights the 'difficulty' aspect, emphasizing the problem rather than the challenge.

chief impediment is

Uses a more formal term 'impediment' indicating a significant hindrance.

biggest hurdle is

Employs the metaphor 'hurdle', suggesting something that must be overcome.

central problem is

Shifts the focus to 'problem' suggesting a more negative connotation.

core issue is

Highlights the 'core' meaning something fundamental and essential.

fundamental challenge involves

Uses a more verbose structure, emphasizing the 'involvement' aspect of the challenge.

principal concern is

Highlights the 'concern' aspect making it suitable when something causes anxiety or worry.

major obstacle consists of

More descriptive and detailed, pointing out the composition of obstacle.

overriding priority is

Changes the focus from challenge to 'priority' suggesting something that needs immediate attention.

FAQs

How can I use "main challenge is" in a sentence?

The phrase "main challenge is" introduces the primary difficulty or obstacle in a given situation. For example, "The "main challenge is" securing funding for the project".

What can I say instead of "main challenge is"?

You can use alternatives like "key obstacle is", "primary difficulty lies in", or "biggest hurdle is" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "main challenge is" or "main challenges are"?

"Main challenge is" is used when referring to a single, primary obstacle. "Main challenges are" is used when referring to multiple significant difficulties. The correct phrase depends on whether you're discussing one issue or several.

Is "main challenge is" formal or informal?

The phrase "main challenge is" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider alternatives like "principal concern is" or "chief impediment is".