that was challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a past experience or task that required significant effort or skill to complete. Example: "The exam was difficult, but I felt accomplished afterward because I knew that was challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The share price was back to a level that was challenging to defend.

Harvard Business Review

What's a head-scratcher that you still think about, something that was challenging to track down?

The Washington Post

I had a very simple, solitary childhood and I wanted an adult life that was challenging.

The New York Times

MS. RUSSELL When I had to kick [the actor David Vadim's] head through the wall, that was challenging.

The New York Times

It was designed to represent a functional activity that was challenging yet feasible for children with CP.

Gait & Posture

"Back then, there were subsidised theatre structures and the underbelly that was challenging people from a creative or political standpoint," he says.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Work that is challenging.

WikiHow

Teach at a level that is challenging.

WikiHow

Pima90-53 that were challenged with V. dahliae.

BMC Genomics

And so, that's challenging.

The Guardian

"I know that's challenging.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that was challenging", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "that" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "that was challenging" without a clear reference to what "that" represents. Ensure the antecedent is explicitly stated to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was challenging" functions as a subjective evaluation, expressing the speaker's perception of a past event or situation as requiring significant effort or skill. As supported by Ludwig, it is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was challenging" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase utilized to articulate the demanding nature of a past endeavor. As Ludwig AI validates, it is deemed correct and suitable for various writing styles. Its prevalence spans across diverse contexts such as "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". When employing this phrase, ensure the antecedent is unmistakably clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "that was difficult", "that was tough", and "that was demanding" offer nuanced substitutions depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was demanding

Emphasizes the effort and requirements imposed by the situation.

that was difficult

A more general term indicating a degree of hardship.

that was tough

Implies resilience was needed to overcome the hurdle.

that was complex

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the challenge.

that was formidable

Suggests the challenge was intimidating and powerful.

that was tricky

Emphasizes the need for careful maneuvering and cleverness.

that was problematic

Focuses on the issues and obstacles presented.

that was strenuous

Highlights the physical and mental exertion involved.

that was taxing

Emphasizes the depleting effect on one's resources or energy.

that was exacting

Highlights the high standards and precision required.

FAQs

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

Use "that was challenging" to describe a task, situation, or experience that required effort and skill. For example: "The project was difficult, but completing "that was challenging" and rewarding."

What are some alternatives to "that was challenging"?

You can use alternatives like "that was difficult", "that was tough", or "that was demanding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that was challenging"?

Yes, "that was challenging" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It is a standard way to describe something that presented a significant level of difficulty or required considerable effort.

What is the difference between "that was challenging" and "that was difficult"?

While similar, "that was challenging" often implies an opportunity for growth or learning, whereas "that was difficult" may simply emphasize the hardship involved. The choice depends on the specific context and the speaker's intention.