Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
mainly challenging
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "mainly challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is primarily or mostly difficult or demanding. Example: "The project was mainly challenging due to the tight deadlines and complex requirements."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
extraordinarily challenging
singularly problematic
extremely challenging
especially engaging
highly challenging
especially challenging
distinctly complex
uniquely demanding
highly taxing
notably arduous
particularly difficult
partly challenging
notably challenging
exceptionally challenging
exceptionally tough
very challenging
specifically challenging
certainly challenging
essentially challenging
especially demanding
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Tracking a target in sensor networks is mainly challenging regardless of the energy consumption due to resource-constrained features of such a network.
Simulations indicate that water supply is mainly challenging for high current densities and demands on high water diffusion are intensified by water drag.
Science
16– 18 Particularly demanding radiotherapy treatments, such as stereotactic lung radiotherapy treatments, which are mainly challenging in that they deliver up to 20 Gy per fraction to a moving target, often require 30 45 minutes to deliver radiotherapy treatment utilizing IMRT, whereas, using RapidArc, it can be delivered in 4 11 minutes.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
The spam lawsuits mainly challenge aspects of the e-mail messages that Microsoft contends are fraudulent, like deceptive return addresses and subject lines.
News & Media
While the law is a century old, the bills mainly challenge amendments passed in 2008 that made it illegal to import wood into the United States that was unlawfully exported under another country's statutes.
News & Media
Non-partnered accountants mainly challenge new roles that upset their extant work routines, whereas partners resist changes affecting their autonomy.
Multi-target tracking is mainly challenged by the nonlinearity present in the measurement equation and the difficulty in fast and accurate data association.
Rather, confirmationism was mainly challenged on conceptual, ahistorical grounds, such as its inability to generate plausible yet non-arbitrary levels of confirmation for moderately sized samples, the difficulties encountered in devising a suitable criterion for evidential relevance, and so on.
Science
In spite of the challenges addressed by our research (mainly challenges 1 4 and 6), a major open issue enumerated by Kulesza et al. [80] concerns the lack of experimental studies to assess the usefulness and feasibility of AO testing approaches, as well as the generalisation of results.
The main conclusions that arise are: 1) the SSS strengths are mainly positive external effects, important to policy makers, and 2) the SSS weaknesses are mainly challenges in the price/quality ratio, important to companies.
These are mainly challenges in going beyond simple compartmental epidemiological models and also in going beyond simple neutral non-recombining evolutionary models.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "mainly challenging", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific aspect is presenting the primary difficulty. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "mainly challenging" without specifying the area or aspect that is particularly difficult. Vague statements can reduce the impact and clarity of your message.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "mainly challenging" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English to describe something that is primarily or mostly difficult.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
"Mainly challenging" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something whose difficulty is primarily concentrated in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. Alternatives like "primarily difficult" or "largely demanding" can be used for similar effect. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly identify the challenging aspect to enhance clarity. Overall, "mainly challenging" provides a precise way to highlight the principal source of difficulty in a given situation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
primarily difficult
Emphasizes the primary aspect of the difficulty.
largely demanding
Focuses on the demanding nature being the most significant aspect.
mostly problematic
Highlights the problematic nature as the main issue.
chiefly taxing
Indicates that the taxing aspect is the principal one.
predominantly arduous
Stresses the arduousness as the main characteristic.
substantially testing
Focuses on the testing aspect being substantial.
significantly complex
Emphasizes the complexity being significant.
fundamentally intricate
Highlights the intricate nature as fundamental.
primarily bothersome
Highlights the bothersome nature as the main issue.
mainly troublesome
Highlights the troublesome nature as the main issue.
FAQs
How can I use "mainly challenging" in a sentence?
Use "mainly challenging" to describe a task, situation, or problem where the difficulty is primarily concentrated in a specific area. For example, "The project was "mainly challenging" due to the tight deadlines".
What are some alternatives to "mainly challenging"?
You can use alternatives such as "primarily difficult", "largely demanding", or "mostly problematic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative highlights a different aspect of the challenge.
Is it appropriate to use "mainly challenging" in formal writing?
Yes, "mainly challenging" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precise descriptions of difficulties are necessary. However, consider alternatives like "primarily difficult" for a slightly more formal tone.
What's the difference between "mainly challenging" and "especially challenging"?
"Mainly challenging" indicates that the primary difficulty lies in a particular aspect, whereas "especially challenging" suggests that the difficulty is notably high overall. The former is more specific, while the latter emphasizes the degree of difficulty.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested