small challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small challenge" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to a task or obstacle that is not overly difficult to overcome. Example: "Although it was a small challenge, I was able to complete the project within the given deadline." In this sentence, "small challenge" is used to describe the difficulty level of the task and indicates that it was manageable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's no small challenge.

The New Yorker

That is no small challenge.

The Economist

prints of vintage films — no small challenge.

The New York Times

It is no small challenge.

The New York Times - Style

This is no small challenge.

The Washington Post

This is no small challenge theatrically, however.

The Guardian

Mr. McAdams, 25, faces no small challenge.

The New York Times

The drills were no small challenge.

The New York Times

Managing this risk is no small challenge.

Harvard Business Review

The sending off posed a small challenge to Bayern's pride.

The New York Times - Sports

Digitization itself, of course, is no small challenge.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small challenge", ensure the context accurately reflects the level of difficulty. Avoid using it for tasks that are genuinely complex or demanding, as it can undermine the seriousness of the situation.

Common error

Be cautious of using "small challenge" in situations where the apparent simplicity might mask underlying complexities. Assess all aspects to avoid misrepresenting the actual effort required.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "small challenge" is to act as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "challenge". Ludwig examples confirm that it functions as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small challenge" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe tasks or problems of minimal difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, formal business settings, and academic contexts, serving to downplay difficulty and encourage action. Related phrases include "minor difficulty" and "slight obstacle". When using this phrase, it's important to accurately reflect the level of difficulty to avoid misrepresenting the effort required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor difficulty

Focuses on the difficulty aspect, implying a problem that is easily managed.

slight obstacle

Emphasizes the obstruction aspect, suggesting something that can be easily bypassed.

easy task

Highlights the simplicity of the task, indicating a straightforward undertaking.

simple problem

Focuses on the problem's simplicity, suggesting it can be readily resolved.

modest undertaking

Stresses the limited scale of the undertaking, implying a manageable project.

light workload

Emphasizes the reduced amount of work involved, suggesting an easily handled assignment.

trivial matter

Highlights the insignificance of the issue, indicating it's not worth much concern.

painless endeavor

Focuses on the ease and lack of difficulty in the endeavor.

insignificant hurdle

Underlines the trivial nature of the hurdle, implying it presents little resistance.

minimal effort

Emphasizes the reduced amount of effort required to complete the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "small challenge" to describe a task or problem that is not very difficult. For example, "Learning basic coding was a "small challenge", but I enjoyed it."

What are some alternatives to "small challenge"?

Alternatives to "small challenge" include "minor difficulty", "slight obstacle", or "easy task" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "small challenge" in a formal setting?

Yes, "small challenge" can be used in formal settings, but ensure it accurately reflects the situation. Consider alternatives like "modest undertaking" if a more sophisticated tone is needed.

What's the difference between "small challenge" and "big challenge"?

"Small challenge" implies a task that requires minimal effort, while "big challenge" suggests a task that is significantly more difficult and demanding.