must be challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that something is likely difficult or demanding. Example: "Learning a new language must be challenging, especially for those who have never studied one before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

With so many irons in the fire, organisation must be challenging.

The Guardian - Film

And it's engaging, and it's open…" For a touring band the size of Calexico's, it must be challenging as well.

The Guardian

It must be challenging, though, preparing yourself to compete, getting into the zone, and then someone taps you on the shoulder for an autograph.

The Guardian - Sport

Lloyd: We get a lot of people who ask that question on the assumption that it must be challenging not to be at each other's throats, but as far as I'm concerned it is close to being a piece of cake.

The New York Times

It must be challenging to write new material and ideas every day?

BBC

"The New Zealand spinner does not have the world renown of Allan Donald and Brian Lara, but he must be challenging the pair for the title of Warwickshire's best overseas signing.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And it must be challenged.

Independent

They must be challenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every convention must be challenged.

The Guardian - Music

And, thus, must be challenged everywhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

This must be challenged with urgency.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must be challenging" when you want to express that something likely involves difficulty or requires effort, but avoid overusing it in contexts where simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "hard" would suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "must be challenging" in situations where simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "hard" are more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be challenging" functions as a modal assessment. It conveys a strong likelihood or certainty that something involves difficulty and requires effort. Ludwig confirms the acceptability and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be challenging" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is likely difficult or demanding. As Ludwig confirms, it's well-regarded and applicable across various contexts, as seen in news articles and other sources. While simpler alternatives exist, "must be challenging" provides a balanced and thoughtful tone. Use it to express your inference about a situation that likely involves effort, but be mindful of overusing it where simpler alternatives could suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be difficult

Uses a more direct and common synonym for "challenging".

must be demanding

Highlights the demanding or taxing nature of something.

must pose a challenge

Emphasizes the existence of a challenge to be overcome.

must not be easy

Expresses the same idea by negating ease.

must present difficulties

Replaces "challenging" with "present difficulties", focusing on the problematic aspect.

must require effort

Highlights that something needs a lot of effort.

must be arduous

Indicates a task that is particularly strenuous or taxing.

must test one's abilities

Implies a test of skills or capabilities.

must involve struggle

Focuses on the effort and hardship implied in the original phrase.

must strain one's capabilities

Expresses a demanding or taxing need of capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "must be challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "must be challenging" to express that something is likely difficult or demanding. For example, "Learning a new language "must be challenging", especially for those who have never studied one before."

What are some alternatives to "must be challenging"?

You can use alternatives like "must be difficult", "must pose a challenge", or "must present difficulties" depending on the context.

Is "must be challenging" a formal or informal phrase?

"Must be challenging" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal situations, simpler alternatives like "must be hard" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "must be challenging" and "must be difficult"?

While "must be difficult" and "must be challenging" are often interchangeable, "must be challenging" can sometimes imply a more stimulating or rewarding kind of difficulty, while "must be difficult" focuses more on the hardship involved.