step up to the challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "step up to the challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to encourage someone to take on a difficult task. For example, you could say: "It won't be easy, but I know you can step up to the challenge!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its leaders should step up to the challenge.

The New York Times

"We didn't step up to the challenge for the first test, but it's a long season".

The New York Times - Sports

"I hope I can step up to the challenge of carrying out his legacy".

The New York Times

And will the laity be able to step up to the challenge of their baptism?

The New York Times

But Brooks County is trying to step up to the challenge.

The New York Times

Getting tough on sexual harassment needs stronger unions and proactive employers, and government to step up to the challenge, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We've just got to step up to the challenge when we play a great team like the champions".

The New York Times - Sports

The president must provide it, and Americans deserve to know how the candidates would step up to the challenge.

The New York Times

It is now time for marketers in the world's leading brands to step up to the challenge.

The Guardian

"Whenever Coach gets on you like that, you have to step up to the challenge," Jamal Crawford said.

The New York Times - Sports

To ensure that the industry comes close to meeting these figures, software developers and hardware designers must step up to the challenge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with specific actions or goals to make it more concrete. For example, "Step up to the challenge by leading the team on this project".

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "step up to the challenge" excessively in extremely informal settings. There may be more colloquial alternatives that better fit the tone, such as "give it your best shot" or "go for it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step up to the challenge" functions as an idiomatic expression used to encourage or call upon someone to accept and actively engage with a demanding task or situation. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often found in contexts where effort and capability are emphasized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "step up to the challenge" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that encourages active engagement with a difficult task. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. It serves a motivational purpose, urging individuals or groups to demonstrate their capabilities, and maintains a generally neutral register. Related phrases, like "rise to the occasion", offer similar but nuanced ways to express the idea. Remember to use it when you want to inspire confidence and action, and be mindful of the specific tone required for your audience. Despite the popularity of the phrase, remember to avoid overusing it in extremely informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rise to the occasion

Emphasizes performing well under pressure or in a specific event.

take on the responsibility

Highlights the act of accepting accountability for a task or duty.

embrace the opportunity

Focuses on the positive aspect of a challenging situation, viewing it as a chance for growth.

meet the demands

Stresses the ability to fulfill requirements or expectations.

shoulder the burden

Implies taking on a difficult or heavy task.

face the music

Refers to accepting the consequences of one's actions.

grasp the nettle

Means tackling a difficult situation with courage and determination.

accept the gauntlet

Implies accepting a challenge, often in a competitive context.

man up

An informal phrase suggesting courage and resilience in facing a challenge (may be considered gendered).

take the bull by the horns

Means confronting a problem directly and decisively.

FAQs

How can I use "step up to the challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "step up to the challenge" to encourage someone to take on a difficult task. For instance, "The company needs someone to lead this project, and I believe you can "step up to the challenge"".

What's a more formal way to say "step up to the challenge"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "rise to the occasion" or "take on the responsibility" instead of "step up to the challenge".

What does it mean to "step up to the challenge"?

To "step up to the challenge" means to accept a difficult task or responsibility and make a determined effort to succeed, demonstrating courage and capability.

Is "step up to the challenge" the same as "face the challenge"?

While both phrases involve dealing with a difficult situation, "step up to the challenge" implies a more proactive and enthusiastic approach, suggesting a willingness to take on the task with confidence, whereas "face the challenge" simply means confronting the difficulty.