so challenging that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so challenging that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is difficult to the extent that it leads to a specific outcome or reaction. Example: "The exam was so challenging that many students struggled to finish it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The business is so challenging that he and his wife, Electra, have left retail entirely.

The New York Times

It was so challenging that I eventually got a prescription for Adderall.

The New Yorker

The game is so challenging that Mr. Woods, who tested it, could not beat his real scores at Augusta.

The New York Times

(Wigan council found Northern Soul so challenging that they demolished the Wigan Casino and replaced it literally with nothing).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This was revolutionary for the time, and technically so challenging that designers have striven to achieve the same aim ever since.

The New York Times - Arts

Now that the Tate can attract huge audiences to see art once regarded as so challenging that it needed a special licence, getting noticed is more difficult.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I think the thing that's so challenging about that moment is it's really you left alone… and having to rifle through this set of data," she says.

Vice

"And the reason that's so challenging is that it means limiting resources for people doing really good stuff.

The New York Times - Health

One of the things that make hair analysis so challenging is that a person can have hairs of many different colors on his or her head.

The New Yorker

Some kids have lives that are so challenging and difficult that one great teacher is the only link to a space that's safe, where they can be safe to think their own thoughts and work things out".

The Guardian

The fact that a highly educated sample still found the trade-offs so challenging suggests that certain adaptations would be needed if the questionnaire was to be used with a sample of the general public.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so challenging that", ensure the consequence following "that" is a direct and logical result of the challenge. This maintains clarity and strengthens the connection between the difficulty and its outcome.

Common error

Avoid stating consequences that don't logically follow from the level of challenge described. The connection should be clear and reasonable; otherwise, the sentence might sound exaggerated or illogical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so challenging that" functions as a conjunction linking a description of something difficult with its consequence. As shown by Ludwig, it connects the degree of difficulty to a specific result or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so challenging that" is a versatile phrase used to connect a high degree of difficulty with a specific consequence. It is deemed grammatically correct and very commonly used, according to Ludwig. While appearing in diverse contexts, it's particularly frequent in News & Media and Scientific domains, indicative of a neutral register. To enhance clarity, always ensure the consequence logically follows the challenge. Remember that similar phrases like "so difficult that" or "so demanding that" can serve as alternatives, depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so difficult that

Direct synonym, emphasizing the level of difficulty.

so demanding that

Highlights the effort and requirements involved.

so tough that

Similar to difficult, but with a stronger emphasis on resilience needed.

so complex that

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature.

so intricate that

Emphasizes the fine details and interwoven elements.

such a challenge that

Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize the challenge itself.

a challenge so great that

Highlights the immensity of the challenge.

so formidable that

Emphasizes the imposing and daunting aspect.

so arduous that

Focuses on the strenuous and laborious nature.

so taxing that

Highlights the draining and burdensome quality.

FAQs

How can I use "so challenging that" in a sentence?

Use "so challenging that" to describe a situation or task that is extremely difficult, leading to a specific outcome. For example: "The puzzle was "so challenging that" it took days to solve."

What are some alternatives to "so challenging that"?

You can use alternatives like "so difficult that", "so demanding that", or "so complex that" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "so challenging that" or "too challenging that"?

"So challenging that" indicates a high level of difficulty leading to a consequence. "Too challenging that" isn't grammatically standard; instead, use "too challenging" followed by "for" someone or "to" do something. For example, "It was too challenging for beginners" or "It was too challenging to complete in one day".

What's the difference between "so challenging that" and "very challenging"?

"So challenging that" implies a direct consequence or result due to the high level of difficulty. "Very challenging" simply emphasizes the difficulty without necessarily implying a specific outcome. The phrase ""so challenging that"" sets the stage for explaining the impact of the challenge.