primary challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"primary challenge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually refers to a difficult task or obstacle that must be overcome or solved before something else can be accomplished. For example, "The primary challenge faced by the team was to find a way to reduce costs without compromising the quality of the product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She could lose in a primary challenge.

The New York Times

The primary challenge from Iraq comes in the Mideast.

The New York Times

You'll only increase the chance of a primary challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is a ripe target for a conservative primary challenge.

The New York Times

Mr. Levin himself is facing a primary challenge.

The New York Times

For the players, the elements provided the primary challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

The Americans, the defending world champions, will face their primary challenge from South Korea.

The New York Times - Sports

Once I mastered the primary challenge of the position, it was time to move on".

The New York Times

That member of Congress would likely to face a primary challenge.

The Guardian

A complete unknown mounting a primary challenge against a proven vote-getter.

The New York Times

I assume they picked McCain because he faces a strong primary challenge.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary challenge", ensure it accurately reflects the most significant difficulty or obstacle, not just a general problem. Prioritize clarity to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "primary challenge" for minor issues or inconveniences. Reserve it for obstacles that genuinely impede progress or success. A secondary issue should not be described as a primary challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary challenge" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to identify the most significant difficulty or obstacle in a given situation. The examples show its use in describing challenges in politics, sports, and technical fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary challenge" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote the most significant obstacle or difficulty in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various domains, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using "primary challenge", it is essential to ensure that it accurately reflects the most pressing issue, avoiding its application to minor problems. Alternatives such as "main obstacle" or "key difficulty" can be used to add variety or refine the specific nuance. Its register ranges from neutral to professional, making it appropriate for a wide array of educated discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main obstacle

Focuses on the impediment aspect, rather than the proactive effort to overcome it.

key difficulty

Highlights the problematic nature, often implying a need for careful handling.

chief hurdle

Suggests a barrier that needs to be overcome, often in a competitive context.

central problem

Emphasizes the issue at the core of a situation that requires resolution.

major impediment

Indicates a significant obstacle that slows down or prevents progress.

principal task

Shifts the focus to the main job or duty to be done, rather than the difficulty.

core issue

Pinpoints the most important matter needing attention or resolution.

fundamental question

Highlights a basic inquiry that needs to be answered before moving forward.

biggest concern

Focuses on the worry or anxiety that a particular issue creates.

foremost priority

Emphasizes the importance of something that needs immediate attention, rather than a difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "primary challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "primary challenge" to describe the main obstacle or difficulty in a situation. For example, "The primary challenge for the company is increasing sales".

What are some alternatives to "primary challenge"?

Alternatives include "main obstacle", "key difficulty", or "chief hurdle". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "primary challenge" or "main challenge"?

Both "primary challenge" and "main challenge" are acceptable. "Primary" suggests fundamental importance, while "main" simply indicates the principal issue. Use the term that best fits the specific context.

What's the difference between a "primary challenge" and a "secondary challenge"?

A "primary challenge" is the most significant obstacle that must be addressed first. A "secondary challenge" is a less critical issue that may need attention but is not as urgent or impactful as the "primary challenge".