took on the challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"took on the challenge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about somebody who willingly faced a difficult situation or difficult task. For example, "John took on the challenge of managing the entire project, even though he was not sure he had the necessary skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"He took on the challenge of going against Rondo," Boozer said of Rose.

The New York Times - Sports

But we took on the challenge with a lot of gusto.

The New York Times

In 1995, Peiris took on the challenge of establishing a clinical-virology laboratory in Hong Kong.

Nature

A group of younger psychologists and biologists took on the challenge of refuting their claims.

The Guardian

At the request of a reader, we took on the challenge of making over some classic and very traditional recipes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Inspired by Suzan Lori-Parks, the English playwright Mark Ravenhill took on the challenge of writing 17 new plays.

The New York Times

A PhD student at the University of Cambridge, who was also interested in the beauty industry, took on the challenge.

The Guardian

The marketing team took on the challenge of identifying and codifying from scratch the skills it would need.

Harvard Business Review

Italcementi took on the challenge and for the first time developed a transparent, light-transmitting material called i.light.light

Harvard Business Review

The marketing team took on the challenge of identifying and clearly codifying the modern-day skills it needed.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then five of the cars took on the challenge of beating the 150 m.p.h.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took on the challenge", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the challenge was and why it was significant. Providing specific details enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "took on the challenge" for everyday, routine tasks. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant difficulty, risk, or complexity. Overusing it dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took on the challenge" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of accepting and committing to a difficult task or situation. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from professional endeavors to personal decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took on the challenge" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of accepting a difficult task or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. Its meaning is consistent, conveying a sense of willingness and determination to confront something demanding. While many alternatives exist, each with subtle differences in nuance, "took on the challenge" remains a versatile and effective choice for expressing proactive engagement with difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stepped up to the plate

An idiomatic expression indicating readiness to take responsibility and handle a difficult situation.

tackled the problem

Suggests addressing a problem directly and energetically.

embraced the difficulty

Highlights the positive aspect of accepting something difficult, suggesting willingness and enthusiasm.

rose to the occasion

Focuses on successfully meeting a difficult challenge.

accepted the gauntlet

Implies accepting a challenge, often with a sense of formality or historical weight.

undertook the endeavor

Emphasizes the commitment to a significant and challenging project.

faced the ordeal

Suggests dealing with a particularly unpleasant or severe challenge.

confronted the obstacle

Emphasizes directly facing a problem or difficulty.

grappled with the task

Focuses on the struggle and effort involved in dealing with a challenging task.

ventured into the unknown

Highlights the risk and uncertainty involved in accepting a challenge.

FAQs

What does "took on the challenge" mean?

The phrase "took on the challenge" means that someone accepted a difficult task or situation and decided to deal with it. It implies willingness to confront something that requires effort and skill.

How can I use "took on the challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "took on the challenge" to describe someone's action of accepting a difficult task. For example, "Despite the risks, she "took on the challenge" of leading the company through the crisis".

What are some alternatives to "took on the challenge"?

Some alternatives to "took on the challenge" include "accepted the gauntlet", "embraced the difficulty", or "stepped up to the plate" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "took on the challenge" or "accepted the challenge"?

"Took on the challenge" and "accepted the challenge" are quite similar. "Accepted the challenge" is more straightforward, while "took on the challenge" emphasizes the active process of dealing with the difficulty.