provides a challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provides a challenge" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something presents a difficult or stimulating task or obstacle. You can use it in various contexts, such as in a professional setting or in a personal conversation. Example: "The new project I'm working on provides a challenge, but I'm excited to take it on and see it through to the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

This plainly provides a challenge for news providers but also an opportunity to be far more engaged with the audience.

Forbes

The availability of multiple service providers in non-remote locations provides a challenge for primary health care centres in coordinating and monitoring comprehensive delivery of care to patients with chronic disease.

BMC Health Services Research

A sharp attack with a new ball on a sporting pitch provides a challenge for any batsman.

The Guardian - Sport

"Feeding large concentrations of people healthy, decent food provides a challenge," says Rutter, as it needs to be brought in from rural areas.

The Guardian

The Roosevelt School District provides a challenge not simply in the nature of its disadvantaged population, but it does not have the resources to provide additional assistance that the district needs.

The New York Times

George Osborne's announcement that child benefit for high earners is to be withdrawn provides a challenge for the Labour party's new regime – and, at first glance, not a tricky one.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The national economic situation undoubtedly provides a challenging backdrop, but it also presents a major opportunity for local government.

The Guardian

But it does provide a challenge for clubs preparing for qualifying for the next World Cup.

The New York Times - Sports

What a prospect it would be if Woods somehow resurrected his form to provide a challenge.

Independent

But at today's event the question of civil rights still provided a challenge.

The Economist

Yes, one of them is a rabbit, shadow puppet fans, but there are plenty more to provide a challenge.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provides a challenge" to frame potentially negative situations in a way that emphasizes opportunity and growth. This can create a more positive and proactive tone.

Common error

While "provides a challenge" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "presents a difficulty" or "poses a test" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provides a challenge" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular subject presents a demanding or difficult situation. This aligns with Ludwig AI's confirmation of its correct usage. As Ludwig examples show, it connects a subject (e.g., 'a sporting pitch') with the action of presenting a challenge.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provides a challenge" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something presents a demanding situation requiring effort and skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in Science and News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register. When aiming for variety, consider alternatives like "presents a difficulty" or "poses a test". Remember that, while acceptable, overuse should be avoided to prevent repetitive writing. When using this expression, frame situations positively, emphasizing opportunities for growth. When writing, remember that "provides a challenge" describes the situation itself, unlike "is challenging" which describes the nature of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presents a difficulty

Replaces "challenge" with "difficulty", emphasizing the problematic aspect.

creates an obstacle

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the situation.

raises a hurdle

Uses a metaphorical term to represent the difficulty.

represents a trial

Highlights the testing nature of the situation.

poses a test

Replaces "challenge" with "test", highlighting the evaluative aspect.

sets a demanding task

Focuses on the effort required by the challenge.

offers an opportunity for growth

Shifts the focus to the positive aspect of a challenge as a chance to improve.

entails a complex situation

Emphasizes the complicated nature of the challenge.

constitutes a tough proposition

Uses a more formal tone to describe the difficulty.

demands considerable effort

Highlights the significant amount of work needed.

FAQs

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

You can use "provides a challenge" to describe a situation, task, or problem that requires effort and skill to overcome. For example, "The new software implementation "provides a challenge" for the IT department".

What can I say instead of "provides a challenge"?

You can use alternatives like "presents a difficulty", "poses a test", or "creates an obstacle" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "provides a challenge" or "presents a challenge"?

Both "provides a challenge" and "presents a challenge" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.

What's the difference between "provides a challenge" and "is challenging"?

"Provides a challenge" describes something that creates a difficult situation, while "is challenging" describes the nature of something. For example, "The project provides a challenge" means the project creates difficulty, while "The project is challenging" describes the project's inherent difficulty.