very challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

"very challenging" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult, demanding, or testing. Example: "The final exam was very challenging, with many complex questions that required critical thinking skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very challenging".

The New York Times - Magazine

And he's very challenging.

The New York Times

"It's now very challenging.

Independent

"It was very challenging.

Independent

"It's very challenging.

The Guardian

This is very challenging.

Cornell University

Some are very, very challenging.

The New York Times - Travel

"But these conversations are very challenging.

The New York Times

"On another level, recognition is very challenging.

The New York Times

Of course, they're very challenging too.

The Guardian

Witnessing inhumanity and indecency is very challenging.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task or situation as "very challenging", provide specific details about what makes it so difficult. This adds depth and credibility to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "very challenging" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify the precise aspects of the challenge, like time constraints, resource limitations, or the need for specialized skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very challenging" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its difficulty. It intensifies the adjective "challenging", indicating a high degree of difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very challenging" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that presents significant difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing the phrase in diverse contexts. While versatile, providing specific details about the challenge enhances clarity. It is mostly used in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business writing. Consider alternatives like "highly demanding" or "extremely difficult" for nuanced expression. When using "very challenging", ensure the context clearly justifies the descriptor to avoid vagueness and enhance communicative effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly demanding

Focuses more on the effort required than the difficulty itself.

extremely difficult

Emphasizes the degree of difficulty, suggesting a formidable obstacle.

particularly taxing

Highlights the draining or burdensome aspect of the challenge.

considerably arduous

Implies a strenuous and prolonged effort is needed.

noticeably intricate

Emphasizes the complexity and detailed nature of the challenge.

exceptionally complex

Highlights the multifaceted and complicated nature of the subject.

seriously testing

Focuses on how the challenge assesses one's abilities or resilience.

remarkably ambitious

Shifts the focus to the high goals or scope of the undertaking.

notably problematic

Highlights potential issues or obstacles present.

unusually formidable

Suggests an imposing or daunting nature of the challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "very challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "very challenging" to describe a task, situation, or experience that presents significant difficulty and requires considerable effort. For example, "The project was "very challenging" due to its tight deadline and complex requirements."

What are some alternatives to "very challenging"?

Alternatives include "highly demanding", "extremely difficult", or "particularly taxing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "very challenging" or "challenging"?

"Very challenging" emphasizes the high degree of difficulty. Using just "challenging" is suitable when the difficulty is moderate. The choice depends on the intensity you want to convey.

What makes something "very challenging"?

Something is "very challenging" when it requires significant effort, skill, or resources to overcome obstacles and achieve a desired outcome. This could involve dealing with complex problems, limited resources, or tight deadlines.