they are challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, task, or person that presents difficulties or obstacles. Example: "The new project deadlines are challenging, but we will find a way to meet them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are challenging images".

The Guardian - Arts

They are challenging and relentless.

Harvard Business Review

They are challenging in different ways.

Princeton University

They are challenging the beauty and fashion hegemonies.

The New York Times

"They are challenging your faith," the sere affiliate explained.

The New Yorker

They are challenging the companies and governments at every point".

The Guardian

They are challenging the act not only in Texas, but also in Alabama and Florida.

The New York Times

They are challenging and enjoyable now and then, but they might not be for everyone.

The New York Times - Food

"They are challenging what we are willing to do, or willing to pay for".

The New York Times

The activists say they are challenging the forum's motives with peaceful protests -- even puppets.

The New York Times

They are challenging traditional Jewish notions of prayer, community and identity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are challenging", ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific subject or group to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging" solely to describe something desirable. While it can imply growth, its primary meaning involves difficulty. If you intend to convey opportunity without hardship, consider alternatives like "stimulating" or "rewarding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are challenging" functions as a predicate adjective, where "they" is the subject, "are" is the linking verb, and "challenging" describes the subject. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are challenging" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase widely used to describe something that poses difficulties or requires significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, from news and scientific publications to business communications. When using this phrase, clarity in pronoun reference is key. While effective, be mindful of the subtle difference between implying difficulty and opportunity, opting for synonyms like "stimulating" or "rewarding" when the latter is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they present a challenge

Replaces the adjective "challenging" with the noun "challenge" and uses the verb "present" to convey a similar meaning.

they pose difficulties

Focuses on the aspect of creating problems or obstacles.

they are difficult

Uses a more general adjective to describe something not easy to deal with.

they require effort

Emphasizes the need for exertion or hard work.

they test your abilities

Highlights the act of assessing or proving someone's skills.

they push boundaries

Implies an attempt to exceed limits or established norms.

they defy conventions

Focuses on resisting traditional or accepted ways of doing things.

they contest norms

Emphasizes a dispute or disagreement with established standards.

they question assumptions

Highlights the act of doubting or inquiring into accepted beliefs.

they provoke debate

Implies causing discussion and disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "they are challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "they are challenging" to describe tasks, situations, or individuals that present difficulties or require significant effort. For example, "The new project deadlines "are challenging", but we'll find a way to meet them."

What is a more formal way to say "they are challenging"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider phrases like "they present a challenge" or "they pose difficulties". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same core meaning.

What are some synonyms for "they are challenging" that emphasize different aspects?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "they are difficult" (general difficulty), "they require effort" (emphasizing exertion), or "they test your abilities" (highlighting the assessment of skills).

Is it correct to say "they are challenge" instead of "they are challenging"?

No, "they are challenge" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "they are challenging", where "challenging" functions as an adjective describing the subject.