taking on a challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking on a challenge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone who is willing to face a difficult task or situation. For example: "The CEO showed remarkable courage by taking on the challenge of leading the company through the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

You seem to like taking on a challenge, and you like road movies, but this was the biggest challenge yet, surely?

The Guardian - Film

Taking on a challenge also teaches us to tolerate delayed gratification, to stay with something even when it is not fun, because of what will come later.

Huffington Post

They love taking on a challenge.

Harvard Business Review

"I admire him for taking on a challenge".

The New York Times

Everyone involved gave Phelps credit for trying, for taking on a challenge that seemed nearly impossible.

The New York Times - Sports

Thus Nike has initiated a new programme called Mata no Peito – a Portuguese colloquialism for "taking on a challenge" by helping protect Brazilian forest ecosystems.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Canada has taken on a challenge, stated by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in January 2001 as: ?Canada must have one of the most innovative economies in the world.

Science Magazine

Maybe you've never taken on a challenge like that before.

The New York Times

Still, he has never taken on a challenge this foreign to his background.

The New York Times

But in soundly defeating the one-term incumbent, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, for the Democratic nomination for mayor last week, Mr. Gray, 67, takes on a challenge of a different order.

The New York Times

In the story section of the page, Mr Cook had written: "I have never taken on a challenge such as this.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking on a challenge" to convey a sense of proactive engagement and willingness to confront difficulties, often with the expectation of personal or professional growth.

Common error

Avoid using "taking on a challenge" when the situation is simply routine or lacks significant difficulty. Instead, reserve it for scenarios involving substantial effort, risk, or innovation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking on a challenge" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of accepting and actively engaging with a task or situation that presents difficulty or requires significant effort. As seen in Ludwig examples, it's often used to describe someone's willingness to face demanding tasks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Less common in

Science

12.5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking on a challenge" is a commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of willingly engaging with a difficult task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While similar phrases exist, such as "accepting a challenge" or "embracing a challenge", the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When using this phrase, ensure the situation genuinely presents a significant difficulty, and you'll effectively communicate a sense of proactive engagement and determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepting a challenge

Focuses on the acceptance aspect, slightly less emphasis on the active engagement.

embracing a challenge

Emphasizes the enthusiastic and willing approach to the difficulty.

undertaking a challenge

Highlights the act of starting or beginning a difficult task or project.

facing a difficulty

Shifts focus from proactive engagement to confronting a problematic situation.

tackling a problem

Emphasizes problem-solving and resolution.

stepping up to the plate

An idiomatic expression indicating readiness to perform when needed, often under pressure.

rising to the occasion

Emphasizes successful performance in a demanding situation.

meeting the demands

Focuses on fulfilling requirements and expectations.

committing to an ordeal

Highlights the dedication and willingness to endure a difficult experience.

venturing into uncharted territory

Emphasizes exploring unknown areas, which may or may not be challenging.

FAQs

What does "taking on a challenge" mean?

It means willingly accepting and engaging with a difficult task or situation that requires effort and skill to overcome. It implies a proactive approach to confronting obstacles.

What can I say instead of "taking on a challenge"?

You can use alternatives like "accepting a challenge", "embracing a challenge", or "undertaking a challenge" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "take on a challenge" or "undertake a challenge"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Take on a challenge" is more common and informal, while "undertake a challenge" sounds more formal and suggests a more significant or complex task.

How can "taking on a challenge" lead to personal growth?

By pushing individuals outside their comfort zones, forcing them to develop new skills, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. Successfully navigating a challenge builds confidence and expands one's capabilities.