surmount a challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surmount a challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing overcoming difficulties or obstacles in various contexts, such as personal growth, professional development, or problem-solving. Example: "Despite the numerous setbacks, she was determined to surmount the challenge and achieve her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I met them all, cheered them on, wrote about them, and often helped them solve a problem or surmount a challenge.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But this week, Foothill Transit may have eluded its most serious threat, when a Los Angeles Superior Court judge upheld its right to operate, surmounting a challenge by RTD drivers and mechanics.

Los Angeles Times

But this week, Foothill Transit may have eluded its most serious threat when a Los Angeles Superior Court judge upheld its right to operate, surmounting a challenge by RTD drivers and mechanics.

Los Angeles Times

But, characteristically, he was interested in understanding rather than performance: each new piece was a challenge to be surmounted then surpassed.

The Guardian - Tech

"Saying 'I don't want kids' simply set me up as a challenge to be surmounted".

Huffington Post

Almost three decades later, Mr. Gabreski faced a challenge he could not surmount when he tried to run the troubled Long Island Rail Road, the nation's busiest commuter line.

The New York Times

This is also the book of someone who has never met a challenge she couldn't surmount by working harder and believing in herself.

The New York Times - Books

I had to come up with a way to surmount the challenge and to take the risk off the customer.

Forbes

The unique sense of satisfaction from surmounting a difficult gaming challenge is integral to the medium's appeal.

Forbes

In the United Kingdom, they had to create a whole new cabinet agency just to surmount that challenge.

Huffington Post

These actions won't surmount the challenge; but they may, he said, set an example to pressure politicians to enact strong climate-change legislation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surmount a challenge" when you want to emphasize the act of overcoming a significant difficulty or obstacle through effort and determination. For instance, in project management, one might say, "The team worked tirelessly to "surmount a challenge" related to resource allocation."

Common error

Avoid using "surmount a challenge" for minor or easily resolved issues. The verb "surmount" implies a significant effort is required to overcome a substantial obstacle. Using it for trivial matters can sound hyperbolic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surmount a challenge" functions as a verb phrase, where "surmount" is the verb indicating the action of overcoming, and "a challenge" is the object. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase. Examples show its use in describing successful navigation of difficulties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surmount a challenge" is a grammatically sound and effective way to describe overcoming a significant obstacle, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the situation warrants the elevated tone of "surmount" and that the challenge is genuinely substantial. Alternatives like "overcome an obstacle" or "rise above adversity" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid using it in trivial situations to maintain credibility and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome an obstacle

Replaces "challenge" with "obstacle", focusing on a specific hurdle.

rise above adversity

Shifts focus to the negative situation ("adversity") being overcome.

triumph over difficulties

Emphasizes the successful outcome ("triumph") after facing hardship.

conquer a problem

Uses the verb "conquer" to suggest a decisive victory over the issue.

beat a difficulty

An informal alternative that means to successfully deal with something.

master a hurdle

Implies skill and control in overcoming the challenge.

get past a setback

Focuses on moving forward after a temporary impediment.

prevail against hardship

Highlights the endurance and ultimate success in spite of suffering.

address an issue successfully

More formal and neutral, focusing on effective management of the problem.

resolve a difficulty

Focuses on finding a solution to a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "surmount a challenge" to describe overcoming a significant obstacle. For example, "The company managed to "surmount a challenge" by implementing innovative strategies."

What are some alternatives to saying "surmount a challenge"?

You can use alternatives such as "overcome an obstacle", "rise above adversity", or "triumph over difficulties" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "surmount a challenge" or "overcome a challenge"?

"Surmount a challenge" and "overcome a challenge" are similar, but "surmount" suggests a greater degree of difficulty and effort. Choose the one that best reflects the intensity of the situation.

What's the difference between "surmount a challenge" and "face a challenge"?

"Face a challenge" means to confront a difficult situation, while "surmount a challenge" implies successfully overcoming it. Facing a challenge is the initial step, while surmounting it is the successful resolution.