the underlying challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the underlying challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or core issue that needs to be addressed in a particular context. Example: "In our discussion about climate change, we must first identify the underlying challenge that contributes to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And Mr Schwarzenegger needs to come up with a budget for the next financial year by January 10th.However, the underlying challenge has to do with the partisan nature of Californian politics, where the state presents an extreme version of the national picture.

The Economist

But this isn't really Little Rock, 1957, even if the South and West Sides have long been victimized by inequities in city services and even if Mr. Jackson touched on the underlying challenge by exhibiting a firm grasp of the obvious that others often miss.

The New York Times

Egypt, the most populous Arab state, served as a model: the army officers who grabbed control in a 1952 coup established an autocratic regime, in effect a dynasty of fellow soldiers, that survived until 2011.Though recent Arab revolts have made rulers such as Egypt's Hosni Mubarak the focus of popular rage, the underlying challenge of the Arab spring has been to the "dynasties" they represented.

The Economist

"That is the underlying challenge upon which we and our partners such as the Government of Japan have to maintain a clear focus".

Unicef

Although a broad spectrum of natural products synthesized by cyanobacteria has potential bioindustrial applications, the underlying challenge in commercialization is to achieve production yields that meet realistic scalable production.

BioMed Research International

The underlying challenge, however, is to address the innovation deficit.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The final paper in the special issue by Dearle and Dobson considers the potential of sensor-rich systems in supporting scientific experimentation, and the underlying challenges associated by the coordination of such systems to achieve the overall integrity of the associated scientific inquiry.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

In his first direct comments about Snowden since Russia's decision last week, the president said the situation reflected "underlying challenges" in dealing with Moscow.

The Guardian

The seismograph now registers something more sinister than cracks; the needle indicates underlying challenges to virtually all fundamental elements.

Huffington Post

Finally, the article highlights the need for future studies, prospective and interventional in nature, while underlying challenges of the classic approach implementing randomized, controlled trials that may prove inept in this field.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

"Unfortunately, it appears that some bishops and staff are more interested in the politics of this issue than resolving any underlying challenges faced by Catholic social service providers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the underlying challenge", ensure you clearly define what that challenge is within the context. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating "the underlying challenge" without providing specific details. A vague reference to a challenge leaves the reader guessing and weakens your argument. Provide context and explain the nature of the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the underlying challenge" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a significant problem or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. The word "underlying" modifies "challenge", specifying that the challenge is fundamental and perhaps not immediately apparent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the underlying challenge" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote a fundamental problem or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various reputable sources. The phrase is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the specific challenge to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Alternatives like "the fundamental problem" or "the core difficulty" may be used depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fundamental problem

Replaces 'challenge' with 'problem', emphasizing the issue rather than the difficulty.

the root cause

Focuses on the origin of the problem, rather than the challenge it presents.

the core difficulty

Substitutes 'underlying' with 'core' and 'challenge' with 'difficulty', highlighting the central obstacle.

the primary obstacle

Replaces 'underlying challenge' with 'primary obstacle', emphasizing the main impediment.

the central issue

Shifts the focus to the 'issue' at hand, rather than the 'challenge' of dealing with it.

the basic dilemma

Replaces 'challenge' with 'dilemma', suggesting a difficult choice or situation.

the essential question

Frames the challenge as a 'question' that needs to be answered.

the key hurdle

Replaces 'challenge' with 'hurdle', visualizing the issue as an obstacle to overcome.

the prevailing issue

Highlights that the issue is 'prevailing', as in, widespread or currently prominent.

the dominant factor

Focuses on the challenge being the most 'dominant factor' influencing a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "the underlying challenge" to introduce a core issue or difficulty that needs to be addressed. For example, "The underlying challenge in addressing climate change is global cooperation."

What are some alternatives to using "the underlying challenge"?

Alternatives include "the fundamental problem", "the root cause", or "the core difficulty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "the underlying challenge" and "the main challenge"?

"The underlying challenge" implies a more fundamental, less obvious problem, while "the main challenge" refers to the most prominent or obvious difficulty.

Is it appropriate to use "the underlying challenge" in formal writing?

Yes, "the underlying challenge" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic, business, and professional contexts. However, make sure the context is well defined.