to be challenged

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be challenged" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a passive form of the verb phrase "to challenge". You can use "to be challenged" in a sentence when you want to express that something or someone has been questioned, tested, or pushed outside of their comfort zone. Example: The new employee was excited to be challenged with new projects and responsibilities in her role at the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This needs to be challenged.

Independent

I want to be challenged.

The New York Times

"I have to be challenged.

Independent

Slowly that idea began to be challenged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They need to be challenged head-on.

The New York Times

However this assumption deserves to be challenged.

The New York Times

Our own perceptions need to be challenged.

The New York Times

Both these views need to be challenged.

The Economist

They expect to be challenged".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He loves to be challenged.

The New York Times - Sports

They want to be challenged".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be challenged" to convey that someone or something is being tested, questioned, or pushed beyond their comfort zone. It is often used to indicate an opportunity for growth or improvement.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice when "to be challenged" is used. Ensure the context clarifies who or what is doing the challenging to maintain clarity and impact. For example, instead of "mistakes are to be challenged", write "managers need to challenge mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be challenged" functions as a passive infinitive. It indicates a state of being subjected to a test, difficulty, or opposition. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to express the idea of facing demanding situations or having one's abilities tested.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be challenged" is a grammatically correct and very common passive infinitive used to express the idea of being tested or confronted with difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While it is generally neutral in register, its use often implies an opportunity for growth or improvement. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is doing the challenging, and consider using the active voice for a more direct style. Alternative phrases like "to face challenges" or ""to be tested"" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the context. Finally, its frequent usage in news and media sources underlines its widespread understanding and applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to face challenges

Focuses on actively encountering and dealing with difficulties, rather than passively receiving them.

to be put to the test

Emphasizes the aspect of evaluation and proving one's abilities under demanding circumstances.

to encounter difficulties

Highlights the experience of running into problems, differing from the proactive implication of being challenged.

to be confronted with obstacles

Stresses the act of facing impediments, somewhat more forceful than simply being challenged.

to be pushed beyond limits

Implies a situation where one is forced to exceed their normal capabilities, suggesting a higher degree of difficulty.

to be stimulated intellectually

Specifically highlights the aspect of mental invigoration and stimulation, differing from a general challenge.

to have one's abilities tested

Emphasizes the evaluation of skills and capabilities, suggesting a formal assessment.

to grapple with problems

Focuses on the struggle and effort involved in dealing with difficulties, rather than the initial challenge itself.

to be stretched

Implies expanding one's capabilities and comfort zone, more focused on personal growth than external challenge.

to be rigorously examined

Focuses on thorough inspection and evaluation, suggesting a formal assessment or scrutiny.

FAQs

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

Use "to be challenged" to indicate that someone or something is being tested or pushed to improve, such as in the sentence, "The students were eager "to be challenged" by the difficult exam".

What are some alternatives to "to be challenged"?

Alternatives include "to face difficulties", "to be tested", or "to be confronted with" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "to be challenged"?

While "to be challenged" is a passive construction, consider using the active voice for more direct and impactful writing. For example, instead of "the data is to be challenged", try "analysts should challenge the data".

How does "to be challenged" differ from "to face a challenge"?

"To be challenged" implies that someone or something is receiving the challenge, while "to face a challenge" suggests actively confronting a difficult situation. The former is passive, and the latter is active.