particularly challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particularly challenging" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is especially difficult or demanding. Example: "The final exam for my calculus class was particularly challenging, requiring us to solve complex equations and think critically under time constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It is not particularly challenging.

Independent

The retail environment is particularly challenging.

The New York Times

The latter is particularly challenging.

The Guardian

The job in question does not sound particularly challenging.

The New York Times

Main courses are enticing without being particularly challenging.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, these days, that mission is proving particularly challenging.

The New York Times

Estimating the number of Syrian IDPs is particularly challenging.

The Guardian

Nor is onion and anchovy tart (aka pissaladière) particularly challenging.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Getting hold of a score was particularly challenging.

The Guardian - Music

Experts say the middle-school years are particularly challenging.

The New York Times - Health

As a father, I find these conversations particularly challenging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task or situation, use "particularly challenging" to emphasize a specific aspect that presents a significant hurdle. This adds clarity and highlights the area needing special attention or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "particularly challenging" as a generic descriptor without specifying why something is difficult. Instead of saying "The project was particularly challenging", explain which aspects made it so, such as "The project was particularly challenging due to the tight deadline and limited resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particularly challenging" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the degree of difficulty associated with the noun it describes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and used to highlight specific difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "particularly challenging" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as an adjectival modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and frequent usage. Its primary purpose is to emphasize a specific difficulty, often appearing in neutral contexts such as news and science. To use it effectively, specify why something is difficult rather than relying on it as a generic descriptor. Alternatives like "especially demanding" or "unusually difficult" can provide similar emphasis depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

especially demanding

Replaces "particularly" with "especially", emphasizing the degree of demand.

unusually difficult

Shifts the focus to the degree of difficulty, using "unusually" to highlight the challenge.

remarkably taxing

Emphasizes the burden or strain involved, using "taxing" to suggest a heavy demand on resources or energy.

decidedly arduous

Uses "arduous" to highlight the effort and perseverance required, with "decidedly" adding emphasis.

exceptionally problematic

Shifts the focus to the problematic aspects, using "exceptionally" to emphasize the severity of the issues.

singularly testing

Emphasizes the quality of putting someone or something to the test, using "singularly" to highlight the unique trial.

highly strenuous

Highlights the energy and effort required, framing the challenge as intensely demanding.

distinctly complicated

Focuses on the intricate nature of the subject, using "complicated" to underscore the complexity.

notably rigorous

Stresses the strict and demanding nature, using "rigorous" to convey the high standards and challenges.

uncommonly intricate

Highlights the complexity and detail involved, using "intricate" to emphasize the level of detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "particularly challenging" to describe a specific aspect of a task, situation, or problem that presents a significant difficulty. For instance, "Navigating the legal requirements was "especially challenging" due to the complexity of the regulations."

What are some alternatives to using "particularly challenging"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "especially difficult", "unusually complex", or "exceptionally demanding" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "particularly challenging" or "very challenging"?

"Particularly challenging" and "very challenging" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "particularly challenging" might suggest a more specific or nuanced difficulty than "very challenging".

What makes something "particularly challenging" as opposed to just "challenging"?

The addition of "particularly" emphasizes that the challenge is notable or stands out in some way. It suggests a higher degree of difficulty, complexity, or demanding nature compared to something simply described as "challenging".