this can be challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can be challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that may present difficulties or obstacles. Example: "Learning a new language can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes easier over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because we don't have a tradition of libertarianism in Australia, this can be challenging to understand.

The Guardian - Opinion

This can be challenging in organizations that value relationships and may be conflict avoidant.

Harvard Business Review

This can be challenging when students' strengths or interests are in different areas.

University of California, Berkeley

Gray counsels putting on an "emotional flak jacket" to deflect other people's misplaced anger, though she acknowledges that this can be challenging.

Harvard University

Doing this can be challenging since the business is not up and running.

Forbes

This can be challenging for people who are close to an idea and deeply knowledgeable of its ins and outs.

Forbes

This can be challenging for some moms for reasons ranging from inhospitable work environments to trouble producing enough milk.

Forbes

Many envisioned applications will need uninterrupted and reliable connectivity and this can be challenging in high-speed vehicular scenarios.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year, but they are usually associated with a lot of food and eating: for some this can be challenging.

Duke University

This can be challenging.

HuffPost

This can be challenging in an equal partnership, and nearly impossible in one that is less so.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this can be challenging", clearly identify what "this" refers to, ensuring the context is unambiguous for your reader. This avoids confusion and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this can be challenging". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing to introduce variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can be challenging" functions as a statement expressing a potential difficulty or demanding nature of a situation or task. Ludwig AI confirms this common usage, showing it's frequently used to introduce a caveat or acknowledge a hurdle.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

12%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this can be challenging" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to acknowledge potential difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across diverse fields, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. Its primary function is to prepare individuals for potential hurdles and set realistic expectations. While the phrase is appropriate in many situations, writers should aim to provide context and avoid overuse to prevent redundancy. Consider alternatives such as "this may be difficult" or "this could be demanding" to add variety. Remember to be specific about what "this" refers to, to ensure clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might prove difficult

Implies a future difficulty, focusing on the potential outcome.

this could be demanding

Emphasizes the effort and energy required.

this may present difficulties

Highlights the presence of obstacles.

this could pose a problem

Suggests a potential issue or obstacle to overcome.

this may not be easy

Understates the difficulty, implying a moderate challenge.

this requires careful consideration

Focuses on the need for thoughtful attention to avoid problems.

this calls for extra effort

Highlights the need for increased exertion.

this is no walk in the park

An idiom implying the task is not easy, typically used informally.

this is easier said than done

Suggests the action is more difficult to perform than to talk about.

navigating this could be tricky

Emphasizes the need for careful maneuvering to succeed.

FAQs

What does "this can be challenging" mean?

The phrase "this can be challenging" means that something is likely to be difficult and require effort or skill to accomplish. It suggests the presence of obstacles or complexities that need to be overcome.

How can I use "this can be challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "this can be challenging" to describe any task, situation, or concept that presents difficulties. For example, "Learning a new programming language "this can be challenging", but rewarding".

What are some alternatives to "this can be challenging"?

Some alternatives to "this can be challenging" include phrases like "this may be difficult", "this could be demanding", or "this may present difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "this can be challenging" or "this is challenging"?

Both "this can be challenging" and "this is challenging" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "This can be challenging" suggests a possibility or potential for difficulty, while "this is challenging" states a current reality. Choose the phrasing that best fits the context.