the initial challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the initial challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first difficulty or obstacle encountered in a process or situation. Example: "The initial challenge we faced was securing funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

You can make the initial challenge online or in writing.

The Guardian - Money

But the initial challenge he has set for No Impact Man is eliminating trash.

The New Yorker

The initial challenge was building a concrete foundation and a concrete entrance path.

The New York Times

The initial challenge is to get into the top four and we can't look anything beyond that".

Independent

The site had the initial challenge of luring customers into an underground plaza that had been notoriously inhospitable as a retail destination.

The New York Times

From video at any angle, the attempted tackle appears illegal: the ball is on Ramires's left; the initial challenge from Evra is from the right.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

What were the initial challenges?

The Guardian - Music

The initial challenges were immense.

The Guardian - Arts

One of the initial challenges Google faced was gathering the raw data needed to fill in their existing map.

The Guardian

One of the initial challenges to running a startup is achieving a lot with a small team and few resources.

The Guardian

Despite the initial challenges of developing financially and technologically viable solutions, through vision, commitment and collaboration, this initiative has generated several benefits.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the initial challenge", clearly define what constitutes the challenge. Provide context to help the reader understand its nature and scope.

Common error

Avoid using "the initial challenge" without specifying what makes it challenging. Be specific about the obstacles or difficulties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the initial challenge" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to the first significant obstacle or difficulty encountered in a process or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the initial challenge" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the first major difficulty in a process or situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is versatile and can be used across various contexts, though it appears most frequently in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly define what makes it a challenge, avoiding vagueness. Alternative phrases like "the primary obstacle" or "the first hurdle" can be used to convey similar meanings. Overall, "the initial challenge" serves as an effective way to highlight the starting point of a problem-solving endeavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary obstacle

Focuses on the main impediment rather than just the starting point.

the first hurdle

Emphasizes overcoming the earliest difficulty in a series.

the opening difficulty

Highlights the trouble encountered at the beginning.

the starting problem

Directly refers to the issue that must be addressed from the outset.

the preliminary task

Focuses on the first job or duty that needs to be done.

the original difficulty

Refers to the problem that existed from the beginning.

the nascent problem

Suggests the issue is just beginning to emerge or develop.

the introductory issue

Highlights that the problem is presented or experienced at the beginning.

the basic problem

Emphasizes the foundational issue.

the fundamental obstacle

Highlights the most essential and foundational impediment.

FAQs

How can I use "the initial challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "the initial challenge" to describe the first major difficulty or obstacle faced in a project, task, or situation. For example, "The initial challenge was funding the project."

What can I say instead of "the initial challenge"?

You can use alternatives like "the primary obstacle", "the first hurdle", or "the opening difficulty depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an initial challenge" or "the initial challenge"?

Both can be correct, but "the initial challenge" is generally used when referring to a specific challenge that has already been identified or is known in the context. "An initial challenge" is used when introducing a challenge for the first time or when it's one of several possible challenges.

What's the difference between "the initial challenge" and "the ultimate challenge"?

"The initial challenge" refers to the first difficulty or obstacle encountered, while "the ultimate challenge" refers to the final or most significant difficulty that must be overcome.