more challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

"more challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to something that is difficult or requires more effort than something else. For example, "This assignment is more challenging than the last one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Braking proved more challenging.

The New York Times - Sports

The nights were more challenging.

The New Yorker

That makes it more challenging.

The New York Times

It's much more challenging.

The Guardian - Film

Other baking can be more challenging.

The New York Times

Others have found it more challenging.

The New York Times

Sister No. 2 proved more challenging.

The New York Times - Travel

Calculating the delegate totals is more challenging.

The New York Times

College has also become more challenging.

The New York Times

It makes it that much more challenging.

The New York Times

Soon the schedule will become more challenging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared when using "more challenging". Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating both elements. E.g., Instead of 'The project was more challenging', say 'The new project was more challenging than the previous one'.

Common error

Avoid using "more challenging" as a generic descriptor without specifying why something is difficult. Instead of saying "The task was more challenging", explain which aspect presented the difficulty: "The task was "more challenging" because it required mastering new software".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more challenging" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a noun by indicating a higher degree of difficulty or complexity relative to something else. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it modifies various nouns, implying a greater level of required effort or skill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more challenging" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase that indicates a higher degree of difficulty or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clear context and specify what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative phrases like "more difficult", "more demanding", or "more complex" for nuanced expression. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "more challenging" to convey precise and informative comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more demanding

This alternative emphasizes the effort and requirements involved.

more difficult

This is a direct synonym, indicating a higher degree of hardship.

more complex

This alternative highlights the intricate nature of the subject.

more intricate

This focuses on the detailed and elaborate aspects of the task.

more arduous

This suggests a task requiring great exertion and endurance.

more strenuous

Similar to 'arduous', it emphasizes the energy required.

tougher

This is a more informal synonym for 'more difficult'.

trickier

This suggests a task that requires careful handling or cleverness.

more testing

This implies that the task will evaluate one's abilities or resilience.

more ambitious

This alternative suggests the task is grander in scope and requires greater effort to achieve.

FAQs

How can I use "more challenging" in a sentence?

"More challenging" is used to compare two things, indicating that one is more difficult or demanding than the other. For example, "This puzzle is "more challenging" than the last one".

What's a good alternative to saying "more challenging"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more difficult", "more demanding", or "more complex".

Is it correct to say 'most challenging' instead of "more challenging"?

While "more challenging" compares two items, 'most challenging' indicates the highest level of difficulty among three or more. Use 'most challenging' when referring to the absolute hardest option: 'This is the most challenging puzzle I've ever encountered'.

How does "more challenging" compare to "difficult"?

"Difficult" describes something that requires effort, while "more challenging" suggests a comparative level of difficulty between two or more things. A task can be difficult in itself, but it's "more challenging" when compared to something else.