to be a challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be a challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a task or situation that is difficult or requires effort to overcome. Example: "Learning a new language can be a challenge, but it is also very rewarding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's going to be a challenge".

The New York Times

The task proved to be a challenge.

The New York Times

"It's definitely going to be a challenge".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's still going to be a challenge".

The Guardian - Tech

Booking proved to be a challenge.

The New York Times - Travel

has proved to be a challenge.

Fluid Phase Equilibria

"It's going to be a challenge, but it's going to be a challenge for them, too.

The New York Times

It's going to be a challenge for all of us.

Stanford University

"I knew it was going to be a challenge".

The New York Times - Sports

"Education continues to be a challenge," she said.

The New Yorker

"I recognize that this is going to be a challenge".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be a challenge" when you want to express that something will require significant effort, skill, or determination to overcome. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to be a challenge" as a generic descriptor for anything slightly difficult. Be specific about the nature and source of the challenge for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be a challenge" functions primarily as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject with a quality or condition of difficulty. Ludwig AI, confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts, highlighting its role in expressing demanding or effortful situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be a challenge" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys difficulty and the need for effort. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and prevalent across numerous contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure specificity and consider alternatives like "to present a challenge" or "to prove difficult" for nuanced expression. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "to be a challenge" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to present a challenge

Focuses on the act of posing a difficulty, rather than simply being one.

to constitute a challenge

Emphasizes the nature of being a challenge as a fundamental aspect.

to prove difficult

Highlights the experience of encountering difficulty.

to be demanding

Shifts the focus to the high level of effort required.

to require effort

Highlights the need for exertion and diligence.

to be an uphill battle

Uses a metaphorical description to convey the difficulty.

to pose a difficulty

Similar to 'present a challenge' but emphasizes the problematic aspect.

to involve struggle

Highlights the conflict and effort involved.

to test one's abilities

Focuses on how the situation assesses skill and competence.

to stretch one's capabilities

Emphasizes the potential for growth and improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "to be a challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "to be a challenge" to describe a task, situation, or problem that requires significant effort and skill. For example, "Learning a new language can "to be a challenge"" or "Balancing work and family life can "to be a challenge"".

What are some alternatives to "to be a challenge"?

Alternatives include "to present a challenge", "to prove difficult", or "to be demanding", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to be a challenge" or "to present a challenge"?

Both "to be a challenge" and "to present a challenge" are grammatically correct. "To be a challenge" describes a state of being, while "to present a challenge" describes the act of posing a difficulty. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the inherent difficulty or the act of creating it.

What's the difference between "to be a challenge" and "to be challenging"?

"To be a challenge" is a noun phrase describing something difficult. "To be challenging" is an adjective describing the quality of something difficult. For example, "The project is "to be a challenge"" versus "The project is "challenging"".