this is challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this is challenging' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in many different contexts when you want to indicate that something is difficult. For example, "The project stakeholders asked us to finish this project in three months, but this is challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ESA knows this is challenging.

The Guardian

"This is challenging democracy after the elections".

The Guardian

This is challenging in the context of work.

The New York Times

Although she admits this is "challenging", she points out: "These are really early days".

The Guardian - Arts

However, this is challenging because the intermediates are usually unstable and highly reactive.

Nature

Your article emphasizes Buddhist almost Tonglen practice, this is challenging for an adult to preform.

University of California, Berkeley

this is challenging, very interesting, but also life savior science! this is great succsess for science.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is challenging for a justice system designed to assess guilt or innocence and mete out punishment.

The New Yorker

This is challenging Britain's belief in itself as a fighting nation with an important role in the world.

The Economist

For many scientists, this is challenging.

Science Magazine

In green open access this is challenging".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "this is challenging". In formal contexts, it's suitable, but for less formal scenarios, consider more direct alternatives like "this is hard".

Common error

While "this is challenging" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "this is difficult", "this is complex", or "this presents a challenge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is challenging" functions as a declarative statement expressing the degree of difficulty associated with a particular task, situation, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard English grammar and is widely used. Examples show its adaptability across various subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is challenging" is a versatile phrase used to express the presence of difficulty across a broad range of contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using "this is challenging", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly presents the challenge. While appropriate for formal settings, consider variations like "this is difficult" in less formal contexts to avoid repetition. Remember to tailor the phrase to your audience and specific situation to effectively communicate the intended level of difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is difficult

Substitutes 'challenging' with 'difficult', a more direct synonym indicating a lack of ease.

this is hard

Replaces 'challenging' with 'hard', a basic term indicating significant effort is required.

this is tough

Substitutes 'challenging' with 'tough', a more informal synonym suggesting resilience is needed.

this is demanding

Replaces 'challenging' with 'demanding', focusing on the high requirements or effort needed.

this is testing

Highlights that the situation is putting abilities or resources to the test.

this is complex

Replaces 'challenging' with 'complex', highlighting the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task.

this is intricate

Similar meaning to 'complex', but emphasizes the finely detailed and interwoven nature of the difficulty.

this is strenuous

Emphasizes the exhausting or physically demanding aspect of the challenge.

this is formidable

Indicates that something is impressive and potentially intimidating due to its difficulty.

this is problematic

Shifts the focus to the potential issues or problems that arise from the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "this is challenging" to express that a task, situation, or concept is difficult. For example, "Implementing the new software system "this is challenging" due to limited resources".

What are some alternatives to saying "this is challenging"?

Alternatives include "this is difficult", "this is complex", "this is hard", or "this is demanding" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "this is a challenge" or "this is challenging"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "This is a challenge" frames the situation as an opportunity to overcome an obstacle. "This is challenging" emphasizes the difficulty of the situation. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What does it mean when someone says "this is challenging stuff"?

Saying "this is challenging stuff" emphasizes that the matter at hand isn't just moderately difficult, but significantly so, often requiring deep thought or effort.