substantially more challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially more challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, task, or problem that is significantly more difficult than another. Example: "The new project is substantially more challenging than the previous one, requiring additional resources and expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

So far in the current quarter, business has not improved, DuPont said, warning that its third quarter "will be substantially more challenging than the second quarter".

The New York Times

However, measuring the swell ratio characteristic of microgels (gel particles with dimensions of 0.1 100 μm) is substantially more challenging because of their small size and polydispersity.

Polymer

While elastic modulus is tunable in tissue engineering scaffolds, it is substantially more challenging to tune the Poisson's ratio of scaffolds.

Acta Biomaterialia

In this report, xylose fermentation in lignocellulosic hydrolysate is shown to be substantially more challenging relative to co-fermentation in CSL.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Accessing stereochemically complex polyene motifs is substantially more challenging because, in addition to the sensitivities observed with all polyenes to light, oxygen, and acid, frameworks containing cis double bonds can isomerize to the typically more thermodynamically stable all- trans structures.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

A possible reason for the paucity of analyses for which indel parameters are inferred is that indel dynamics parameters are substantially more challenging to estimate compared with substitution parameters (Cartwright 2005; Fletcher and Yang 2009).

Genome Biology and Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Braking proved more challenging.

The New York Times - Sports

The nights were more challenging.

The New Yorker

That makes it more challenging.

The New York Times

Maintaining support at home was more challenging.

The New York Times

The manners matter here — is more challenging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantially more challenging", ensure the context clearly establishes what it is being compared to. This provides clarity and emphasizes the magnitude of the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "substantially more challenging" when the increase in difficulty is only marginal. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing and make genuine challenges seem less significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially more challenging" functions as an adjective phrase that intensifies the degree of difficulty or complexity of something. It suggests that the level of difficulty is not just incrementally higher, but significantly so, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantially more challenging" is a phrase used to describe a significant increase in difficulty or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts, particularly in scientific, academic, and professional settings. The phrase is used to emphasize that the level of difficulty is not just incrementally higher, but considerably so. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared to, and avoid overstating the challenge when the increase in difficulty is only marginal. Alternatives include "significantly more difficult" and "considerably more demanding", offering similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly more difficult

Emphasizes the increased difficulty level using a different adverb.

considerably more demanding

Replaces "challenging" with "demanding", highlighting the effort required.

markedly more complex

Focuses on the increased complexity rather than difficulty.

appreciably more taxing

Uses "taxing" to convey the burden or strain involved.

noticeably more arduous

Highlights the strenuous nature of the task.

much tougher

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct and informal expression.

a great deal harder

Uses a more emphatic way to express the increased difficulty.

far more complicated

Shifts the focus to the increase in complication.

substantially harder to manage

Expands the phrase to include the aspect of manageability.

considerably trickier

Uses "trickier" to suggest a problem involving skill or cleverness

FAQs

How can I use "substantially more challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "substantially more challenging" to describe a task, situation, or goal that is significantly more difficult than something else. For example, "The second level of the game is "substantially more challenging" than the first."

What are some alternatives to "substantially more challenging"?

Some alternatives include "significantly more difficult", "considerably more demanding", or "markedly more complex", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "substantially more challenging" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantially more challenging" is suitable for formal writing, including academic and professional contexts, as it provides a precise and impactful way to describe a significant increase in difficulty.

What is the difference between "more challenging" and "substantially more challenging"?

"More challenging" simply indicates a higher level of difficulty, while ""substantially more challenging"" implies a considerable or significant increase in the level of difficulty. The latter is a stronger and more emphatic expression.