more challenging to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more challenging to" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used when comparing two related tasks or goals, as in the following example: "Climbing the highest peak in the Alps is more challenging to most hikers than climbing the second-highest peak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

More challenging to write?

The Guardian - Books

"Abendland" is more challenging to parse.

The New York Times

Antiprotons, though, are altogether more challenging to create than positrons.

The Economist

SplashID was considerably more challenging to use than its competitors.

The New York Times - Tech

"Sure, it's more challenging to run against an incumbent," Mr. Jones said.

The New York Times

It was more interesting to examine the aftermath — more challenging to write, too.

The New Yorker

It makes it more challenging to stand for and stick with what you believe".

The New York Times

Certainly, a mundane civvie existence is proving a lot more challenging to him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It will be much more challenging to create a single securities market.

The New York Times

It's more challenging to find ways to measure, from a distance, how people are getting along.

The New Yorker

I think it is becoming more challenging to reduce the digital divide.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, clearly state what is "more challenging to" whom or what, for example, "Solving this equation is "more challenging to" beginners than experienced mathematicians."

Common error

Ensure that the comparison is clear. Avoid using "more challenging to" without specifying what the alternative is. For example, instead of saying "This project is more challenging to", specify what it is more challenging than.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more challenging to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a higher degree of difficulty or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to draw comparisons between different levels of difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more challenging to" is a versatile phrase used for comparing the relative difficulty of tasks, concepts, or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is "more challenging to" whom or what. By avoiding vague comparisons and appreciating the opportunity for comparison presented by the phrase, you can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more difficult for

Emphasizes the difficulty experienced by a specific subject.

harder to

A simpler, more direct way to express increased difficulty.

tougher to

Suggests a more resilient or demanding level of difficulty.

more complex for

Highlights the increased complexity involved.

presents more of a challenge for

Focuses on the act of challenging someone or something.

poses a greater difficulty for

Similar to the previous, but emphasizes the imposition of difficulty.

more arduous for

Suggests a more laborious and strenuous effort.

more intricate for

Highlights the detailed and complicated nature of the task.

demands more from

Shifts the focus to the higher requirements or expectations.

more taxing on

Implies a heavier burden or strain.

FAQs

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

Use "more challenging to" to compare the difficulty of two tasks or activities for a specific subject. For example, "Learning a new language is "more challenging to" older adults than children".

What are some alternatives to "more challenging to"?

Alternatives include "more difficult for", "harder to", or "tougher to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more challenging to"?

Yes, "more challenging to" is grammatically correct. It is used to make comparisons of difficulty or complexity.

What's the difference between "more challenging to" and "more difficult for"?

While both phrases express increased difficulty, "more challenging to" often implies an opportunity for growth or skill development, whereas "more difficult for" simply indicates a higher level of hardship. You could replace it with alternatives like "more complicated to".