B1 verb #2,500 most common 5 min read

挑戦する

chousen suru

Explanation of 挑戦する at your level:

Hello! The word challenge is like trying something new and maybe a little hard. Imagine you want to build a big tower with blocks. That's a challenge! You try your best. Sometimes, a friend might say, 'I challenge you to a race!' This means they want to see who is faster. It's like a fun game. So, a challenge is something you try to do, and it might be tricky, but it's okay to try!

Hi there! Let's talk about challenge. When you challenge yourself, you decide to do something that isn't easy. Maybe you want to learn to ride a bike without training wheels, or perhaps you want to finish a difficult puzzle. That's a challenge! You are trying to do something that tests your skills. Sometimes, people challenge each other. For example, 'I challenge you to eat this spicy pepper!' This is like inviting someone to do something difficult, often in a fun way. So, a challenge is a difficult task or a competition.

Hello! The word challenge is very useful. It means to try to do something difficult or to invite someone to compete. When you decide to learn a new language or run a 10k race, you are setting yourself a challenge. It’s about pushing your boundaries and seeing what you can achieve. You might also challenge someone else, perhaps by saying, 'I challenge you to beat my score in this video game!' This is an invitation to compete. In another sense, you can challenge an idea or a statement if you think it's wrong or needs more proof. For example, 'The lawyer challenged the witness's testimony.' It's a word used for both personal goals and interactions with others.

Let's explore the word challenge. Primarily, it refers to undertaking a task that is difficult and tests one's abilities. This could be a personal goal, like challenging yourself to write a novel, or a professional one, such as challenging a competitor in the market. The term also carries the meaning of questioning or disputing something. For instance, 'The report challenges the company's previous findings.' This implies a critical examination and a potential disagreement. Furthermore, 'to challenge' can mean to invite someone to a contest or fight, often implying a test of skill or courage. Understanding the context is key to grasping the precise nuance, whether it's about personal growth, intellectual debate, or direct competition.

The multifaceted word challenge extends beyond simple difficulty. It encompasses the act of rigorously testing one's own capabilities, often with the aim of self-improvement or achieving a significant goal. Consider the phrase 'to challenge the limits of human endurance.' Beyond personal endeavor, 'challenge' signifies a formal dispute or questioning of validity, as in 'The scientific community may challenge the methodology.' This implies a critical, evidence-based rebuttal. In social and political contexts, it can mean to confront or provoke established norms or authorities, acting as a challenge to the status quo. The verb form implies an active engagement, whether internal (self-challenge) or external (challenging an opponent, an idea, or a system), often requiring significant effort, courage, or intellectual rigor.

Delving into challenge reveals its rich semantic depth. At its core, it signifies confronting difficulty, whether internalised as a personal test of mettle ('He challenged himself to learn Sanskrit') or externalised as an opposition ('The rebels challenged the authority of the regime'). The etymological roots in Latin calumnia (slander, false accusation) subtly inform its usage in contexts of dispute and questioning, suggesting an element of contention or refutation ('Her findings challenge conventional wisdom'). It can denote a formal invitation to a contest, often with historical or literary connotations ('He accepted the challenge to a duel'). Furthermore, 'challenge' can imply pushing the boundaries of what is known or possible, acting as a catalyst for innovation or progress ('This discovery challenges our understanding of physics'). Its application spans personal development, intellectual discourse, legal proceedings, and societal transformation, demanding a nuanced appreciation of context to discern its precise import.

挑戦する in 30 Seconds

  • Verb meaning: to attempt something difficult, to invite competition, or to dispute.
  • Noun meaning: a difficult task or situation, or an invitation to compete.
  • Often associated with personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and testing abilities.
  • Can be used in formal (disputing) and informal (friendly dare) contexts.

Hey there! Let's dive into the word challenge. It's a super versatile word that pops up in lots of situations, both exciting and serious. At its heart, 'challenge' means to try something difficult or to question something. Think about it like this: when you challenge yourself, you're pushing your own limits, aiming for something that might seem a bit out of reach at first. It’s about growth and proving what you’re capable of!

On the flip side, you can also challenge an idea or a statement. This means you're not just accepting it; you're asking for proof or pointing out that you disagree. It’s a way of engaging critically with information. And sometimes, a challenge is a direct invitation to a competition, like a race or a game, where participants test their skills against each other. So, whether it's a personal goal, a debate, or a friendly contest, 'challenge' is all about facing something demanding!

The word challenge has a fascinating journey through history! It comes to us from Old French, specifically from the word chalenge, which meant 'a dispute' or 'a claim'. This, in turn, traces back to the Latin word calumnia, meaning 'calumny, slander, false accusation'. Can you see the connection? The idea of disputing or making a claim is central.

Interestingly, the word entered English around the 14th century, initially referring to a formal accusation or a dispute in law or in a contest. Imagine knights in shining armor, issuing a challenge to a joust! Over time, the meaning broadened. It started to include the idea of confronting something difficult, not just in a formal contest, but in everyday life. The sense of 'testing one's abilities' became more prominent, especially in the 19th century. So, from legal disputes and medieval tournaments to personal goals and everyday obstacles, the word 'challenge' has evolved to encompass a wide range of situations where one faces difficulty or opposition.

The word challenge is a workhorse in English, appearing in countless contexts. You'll hear people talk about challenging themselves to run a marathon (personal goal), challenging a decision at work (disputing), or challenging a friend to a game of chess (inviting competition). The register can vary greatly. Saying 'I challenge you to a duel!' is quite dramatic and formal, perhaps even archaic. On the other hand, 'This homework is a real challenge!' is casual and relatable.

Common collocations include: meet a challenge, face a challenge, overcome a challenge, issue a challenge, accept a challenge, and a tough challenge. When you meet a challenge, you successfully deal with it. If you issue a challenge, you are the one proposing the difficult task or competition. Understanding these combinations helps you use 'challenge' naturally. Remember, while 'challenge' can be used in almost any setting, the specific phrasing will signal the formality. For instance, in a professional setting, you might say, 'We need to address the challenges posed by the new regulations,' which sounds more formal than 'This project is a big challenge!'

English is full of colorful idioms, and 'challenge' is part of some great ones! These expressions often add a layer of nuance or vividness to your language.

  • Rise to the challenge: This means to successfully deal with a difficult situation. Example: 'When the deadline was moved up, she really rose to the challenge and finished the report on time.'
  • Throw down the gauntlet: This is a more dramatic way to issue a challenge, often implying a serious dispute or competition. It comes from the historical practice of throwing down a glove as a formal challenge. Example: 'The new startup threw down the gauntlet to the established companies with its innovative product.'
  • A challenge to the status quo: This refers to an action or idea that questions or disrupts the existing way things are done. Example: 'Her radical new approach was seen as a challenge to the status quo in the art world.'
  • Beyond someone's challenge: This means something is too difficult for someone to handle or achieve. Example: 'For him, learning a new language at his age was beyond his challenge.'
  • The ultimate challenge: This refers to the most difficult task or goal imaginable. Example: 'Climbing Mount Everest is considered the ultimate challenge for mountaineers.'

Let's break down the grammar and sound of challenge. As a verb, it follows regular conjugation patterns: challenge, challenges, challenged, challenging. For example, 'I challenge you,' 'She challenges the result,' 'We challenged the assumption,' and 'They are challenging the decision.' As a noun, it's typically countable: 'a challenge,' 'many challenges.' You might hear 'the challenge of...' followed by a noun or gerund.

Pronunciation is key! In British English (RP), it's often pronounced /ˈtʃalɪndʒ/, with a clear 'ch' sound at the start and a 'j' sound at the end. In American English, it's very similar, often /ˈtʃaləndʒ/ or /ˈtʃælɪndʒ/. Notice the 'uh' or short 'a' sound in the second syllable. Common pronunciation errors might include dropping the final 'j' sound or misplacing the stress. Rhyming words are tricky for 'challenge' because of its unique ending, but words ending in '-inge' like 'hinge' or 'singe' share a similar final sound, though not a perfect rhyme.

Fun Fact

The word's journey from Latin 'calumnia' (slander) to 'challenge' shows how the idea of disputing or making a claim evolved over centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtʃalɪndʒ/

Starts with a 'ch' sound like in 'church', followed by a short 'a' like in 'cat', then an 'l', a short 'i' like in 'kit', an 'n', and ends with a 'j' sound like in 'judge'.

US /ˈtʃaləndʒ/

Very similar to UK, often with a slightly more relaxed vowel sound in the second syllable, closer to 'uh' as in 'sofa'.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing the final sound as 'sh' instead of 'j'.
  • Adding an extra syllable or misplacing the stress.
  • Pronouncing the second vowel sound too strongly.

Rhymes With

hinge singe cringe fringe impinge

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Generally straightforward, but nuances exist.

Writing 2/5

Easy to use correctly in basic ways, requires care for advanced usage.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used; pronunciation is manageable.

Listening 2/5

Recognizable in various contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

difficult try task game question compete

Learn Next

obstacle confront defy ambitious formidable

Advanced

adversary contention provocation rigorous arduous

Grammar to Know

Verb Conjugation

I challenge, he challenges, they challenged, she is challenging.

Gerunds vs. Infinitives

Learning is a challenge. (Gerund) / It is a challenge to learn. (Infinitive)

Using 'to' with challenge

Challenge someone TO do something / Challenge someone TO a game.

Examples by Level

1

I will try this big puzzle. It is a challenge.

I / will / try / this / big / puzzle. / It / is / a / challenge.

'challenge' used as a noun here.

2

Can you jump high? I challenge you!

Can / you / jump / high? / I / challenge / you!

'challenge' used as a verb here.

3

This game is hard. It's a fun challenge.

This / game / is / hard. / It's / a / fun / challenge.

Contraction 'It's' means 'It is'.

4

I want to challenge my brother to a race.

I / want / to / challenge / my / brother / to / a / race.

Infinitive 'to challenge'.

5

Learning new words can be a challenge.

Learning / new / words / can / be / a / challenge.

Gerund 'Learning' used as the subject.

6

He likes to challenge himself.

He / likes / to / challenge / himself.

Reflexive pronoun 'himself'.

7

This is a challenge for me.

This / is / a / challenge / for / me.

Prepositional phrase 'for me'.

8

We will challenge the other team.

We / will / challenge / the / other / team.

Future tense 'will challenge'.

1

Learning to play the guitar was a big challenge for me.

Learning / to / play / the / guitar / was / a / big / challenge / for / me.

Gerund phrase 'Learning to play the guitar' as subject.

2

The teacher will challenge the students with a difficult question.

The / teacher / will / challenge / the / students / with / a / difficult / question.

Future tense 'will challenge'.

3

He decided to challenge himself by climbing the mountain.

He / decided / to / challenge / himself / by / climbing / the / mountain.

Infinitive 'to challenge' and gerund 'climbing'.

4

Don't be afraid to challenge your friends to a board game.

Don't / be / afraid / to / challenge / your / friends / to / a / board / game.

Imperative mood 'Don't be afraid'.

5

This new task presents a real challenge.

This / new / task / presents / a / real / challenge.

'presents' means 'offers' or 'introduces'.

6

She likes to challenge the rules when she thinks they are unfair.

She / likes / to / challenge / the / rules / when / she / thinks / they / are / unfair.

Verb 'challenge' used to mean 'dispute'.

7

We are ready to meet the challenge.

We / are / ready / to / meet / the / challenge.

Idiomatic phrase 'meet the challenge'.

8

It's a challenge to finish all this work today.

It's / a / challenge / to / finish / all / this / work / today.

Contraction 'It's' for 'It is'.

1

The expedition planned to challenge the summit of the unclimbed peak.

The / expedition / planned / to / challenge / the / summit / of / the / unclimbed / peak.

'challenge' used here means to attempt to conquer.

2

He decided to challenge his own assumptions about the project.

He / decided / to / challenge / his / own / assumptions / about / the / project.

'challenge' used to mean questioning or examining critically.

3

The new policy will challenge traditional methods of teaching.

The / new / policy / will / challenge / traditional / methods / of / teaching.

Future tense, 'challenge' implies disruption or questioning of norms.

4

She accepted the challenge to debate the opposing candidate.

She / accepted / the / challenge / to / debate / the / opposing / candidate.

'challenge' here is a noun referring to the invitation to compete/debate.

5

Many find it a challenge to balance work and family life.

Many / find / it / a / challenge / to / balance / work / and / family / life.

Common collocation: 'find it a challenge'.

6

The defense lawyer will challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.

The / defense / lawyer / will / challenge / the / evidence / presented / by / the / prosecution.

'challenge' used in a legal context, meaning to dispute.

7

Are you ready to challenge yourself with this advanced course?

Are / you / ready / to / challenge / yourself / with / this / advanced / course?

Question form, reflexive 'yourself'.

8

The unexpected results challenge our previous understanding of the phenomenon.

The / unexpected / results / challenge / our / previous / understanding / of / the / phenomenon.

Present tense, 'challenge' implies contradicting or questioning.

1

The report challenges the long-held assumptions about the effectiveness of the treatment.

The / report / challenges / the / long-held / assumptions / about / the / effectiveness / of / the / treatment.

'challenges' as a verb implies questioning validity based on new evidence.

2

He decided to challenge the incumbent mayor in the upcoming election.

He / decided / to / challenge / the / incumbent / mayor / in / the / upcoming / election.

'challenge' in a political context means to run against someone already in office.

3

The sheer difficulty of the task presented a formidable challenge.

The / sheer / difficulty / of / the / task / presented / a / formidable / challenge.

'formidable challenge' emphasizes the intimidating nature of the difficulty.

4

Critics often challenge the artistic merit of commercially successful works.

Critics / often / challenge / the / artistic / merit / of / commercially / successful / works.

'challenge' here means to question the value or quality.

5

The company aims to challenge the market dominance of its larger competitors.

The / company / aims / to / challenge / the / market / dominance / of / its / larger / competitors.

'challenge' implies attempting to overcome or displace.

6

She rose to the challenge of leading the underfunded department.

She / rose / to / the / challenge / of / leading / the / underfunded / department.

Idiom 'rose to the challenge' means successfully dealt with difficulty.

7

The documentary challenges viewers to reconsider their views on environmental issues.

The / documentary / challenges / viewers / to / reconsider / their / views / on / environmental / issues.

'challenges viewers to' implies provoking thought or action.

8

It's important to challenge yourself intellectually to keep growing.

It's / important / to / challenge / yourself / intellectually / to / keep / growing.

Emphasis on intellectual growth through self-imposed difficulty.

1

The study's findings fundamentally challenge established paradigms in astrophysics.

The / study's / findings / fundamentally / challenge / established / paradigms / in / astrophysics.

'fundamentally challenge' implies a deep, foundational disruption.

2

He issued a direct challenge to the committee to justify their controversial decision.

He / issued / a / direct / challenge / to / the / committee / to / justify / their / controversial / decision.

'issued a direct challenge' implies a formal demand for accountability.

3

Navigating the complex political landscape proved to be the ultimate challenge.

Navigating / the / complex / political / landscape / proved / to / be / the / ultimate / challenge.

'ultimate challenge' denotes the most difficult or significant obstacle.

4

Her performance artist piece challenges societal norms regarding beauty and aging.

Her / performance / artist / piece / challenges / societal / norms / regarding / beauty / and / aging.

'challenges societal norms' implies confronting and questioning cultural standards.

5

The entrepreneur's ambition was to challenge the monopoly held by the tech giant.

The / entrepreneur's / ambition / was / to / challenge / the / monopoly / held / by / the / tech / giant.

'challenge the monopoly' implies attempting to break or compete against exclusive control.

6

We must acknowledge the inherent challenges in implementing such a radical reform.

We / must / acknowledge / the / inherent / challenges / in / implementing / such / a / radical / reform.

'inherent challenges' refers to difficulties that are intrinsic to the situation.

7

The novel's non-linear narrative structure challenges conventional reading expectations.

The / novel's / non-linear / narrative / structure / challenges / conventional / reading / expectations.

'challenges conventional expectations' implies subverting typical patterns.

8

He found himself in a moral quandary, challenging his own ethical framework.

He / found / himself / in / a / moral / quandary, / challenging / his / own / ethical / framework.

'challenging his ethical framework' implies questioning one's own moral principles.

1

The philosopher's treatise sought to challenge the very foundations of Cartesian dualism.

The / philosopher's / treatise / sought / to / challenge / the / very / foundations / of / Cartesian / dualism.

'challenge the very foundations' signifies a profound, fundamental questioning.

2

His controversial interpretation of the historical event directly challenged the established national narrative.

His / controversial / interpretation / of / the / historical / event / directly / challenged / the / established / national / narrative.

'challenged the established national narrative' implies a significant revision or refutation of accepted history.

3

The avant-garde composer's work consistently challenges listeners' perceptions of musicality.

The / avant-garde / composer's / work / consistently / challenges / listeners' / perceptions / of / musicality.

'challenges listeners' perceptions' implies altering or questioning their fundamental understanding.

4

She threw down the gauntlet, challenging the industry's outdated practices.

She / threw / down / the / gauntlet, / challenging / the / industry's / outdated / practices.

Idiom 'threw down the gauntlet' signifies a bold, formal challenge.

5

The diplomat's task was to challenge the legitimacy of the opposing faction's claims.

The / diplomat's / task / was / to / challenge / the / legitimacy / of / the / opposing / faction's / claims.

'challenge the legitimacy' implies questioning the rightfulness or validity.

6

The sheer audacity of the proposal was enough to challenge anyone's credulity.

The / sheer / audacity / of / the / proposal / was / enough / to / challenge / anyone's / credulity.

'challenge anyone's credulity' means to test their willingness to believe something extraordinary.

7

His academic detractors sought to challenge his professorial appointment on grounds of insufficient scholarship.

His / academic / detractors / sought / to / challenge / his / professorial / appointment / on / grounds / of / insufficient / scholarship.

'challenge...on grounds of' indicates a formal dispute based on specific reasons.

8

The exploration pushed the boundaries, presenting a challenge to the known limits of exploration.

The / exploration / pushed / the / boundaries, / presenting / a / challenge / to / the / known / limits / of / exploration.

'challenge to the known limits' implies pushing beyond established boundaries.

Common Collocations

meet a challenge
face a challenge
overcome a challenge
issue a challenge
accept a challenge
a tough challenge
a new challenge
challenge accepted
challenge the status quo
challenge someone to something

Idioms & Expressions

"rise to the challenge"

To successfully deal with a difficult situation.

When faced with unexpected problems, the team really rose to the challenge.

neutral

"throw down the gauntlet"

To issue a formal challenge or dare, often implying a serious dispute.

The rival company threw down the gauntlet by launching a competing product.

formal/literary

"challenge the status quo"

To question or disrupt the existing way things are done or believed.

Her radical ideas served as a challenge to the status quo in the industry.

neutral/formal

"beyond someone's challenge"

Too difficult for someone to handle, achieve, or overcome.

Completing the marathon in under three hours was beyond his challenge.

neutral

"the ultimate challenge"

The most difficult or significant task or goal imaginable.

For many explorers, reaching the South Pole represents the ultimate challenge.

neutral

"challenge accepted"

A response indicating willingness to undertake a difficult task or competition.

Asked if he could finish the project by Friday, he grinned and said, 'Challenge accepted!'

casual/neutral

Easily Confused

挑戦する vs struggle

Both imply difficulty.

'Struggle' emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in trying to do something, often with limited success. 'Challenge' can be the difficult thing itself, or the act of undertaking it, and often implies a goal or competition.

He had a difficult <strong>struggle</strong> to open the jar. (Focus on effort) / Climbing the mountain was a <strong>challenge</strong>. (Focus on the difficult task itself)

挑戦する vs attempt

Both involve trying something.

'Attempt' simply means to try, regardless of difficulty. 'Challenge' implies a significant level of difficulty or a competitive element.

He made an <strong>attempt</strong> to reach the top shelf. (Just tried) / He set himself the <strong>challenge</strong> of reaching the summit. (Difficult goal)

挑戦する vs problem

Both refer to something negative or difficult.

'Problem' is a general term for something causing difficulty or trouble. 'Challenge' often implies a difficulty that can be overcome or a goal to strive for, and can also mean an invitation to compete or dispute.

Traffic is a <strong>problem</strong> in the city. (General issue) / The marathon runners faced the <strong>challenge</strong> of the steep hill. (Specific difficult obstacle)

挑戦する vs dispute

Both can mean to question or argue against something.

'Dispute' specifically refers to arguing about the validity or truth of something. 'Challenge' is broader; it can mean to dispute, but also to invite competition or undertake a difficult task.

They decided to <strong>dispute</strong> the legal ruling. (Formal argument) / The new findings <strong>challenge</strong> our understanding of the disease. (Broader questioning)

Sentence Patterns

A2-B1

Subject + challenge + object + to + infinitive

I challenge you to beat my score.

A2-B1

Subject + challenge + object + to + noun (competition)

He challenged her to a game of tennis.

B1-B2

Subject + challenge + noun phrase

The expedition challenged the mountain's summit.

B2-C1

Subject + challenge + noun phrase (idea/statement)

The report challenges the company's findings.

A1-A2

It + be + a + challenge + to + infinitive

It is a challenge to learn a new language.

B1-B2

Subject + meet/face/overcome + the + challenge

We must overcome the challenge of climate change.

Word Family

Nouns

challenge A difficult task or situation; an invitation to compete.

Verbs

challenge To attempt a difficult task; to dispute; to invite to compete.

Adjectives

challenging Difficult in an interesting or enjoyable way.

Related

challenger A person or entity that issues a challenge or competes.

How to Use It

Formality Scale

To dispute the legitimacy of a ruling. To undertake a significant personal or professional goal. To invite someone to a competition or game. To dare someone playfully.

Tips

💡

Memory Palace Trick

Imagine a grand castle. In the main hall, there's a huge, difficult puzzle (a CHALLENGE). Inside the puzzle box, there's a HILL and an EDGE, representing the sounds 'CHILL' and 'EDGE'. This helps link the word to its meaning and sound.
💡

When Native Speakers Use It

Native speakers often use 'challenge' when talking about personal goals ('I'm challenging myself to read 50 books this year'), work projects ('This project is a real challenge'), or friendly competitions ('I challenge you to a game of cards!').
🌍

Cultural Insight

In many Western cultures, facing challenges is seen as a sign of strength and character. 'Embracing the challenge' is a common motivational theme.
💡

Grammar Shortcut

Remember: 'Challenge' is the noun/verb. 'Challenging' is the adjective. If you're describing something difficult, use 'challenging' (e.g., 'a challenging hike'). If you're talking about the difficulty itself, use 'challenge' (e.g., 'The hike was a challenge').
💡

Say It Right

Focus on the 'j' sound at the end (like 'judge'). Don't let it become a 'sh' sound. Practice saying 'chal-lenge' clearly.
💡

Don't Make This Mistake

Avoid using 'challenge' as an adjective. Instead of 'This is a challenge task', say 'This is a challenging task'.
💡

Did You Know?

The word 'challenge' comes from the Old French word 'chalenger', which itself derived from the Latin 'calumnia', meaning 'slander' or 'false accusation'. So, it has roots in disputing things!
💡

Study Smart

Create flashcards with 'challenge' on one side and its different meanings (difficult task, invitation to compete, dispute) and example sentences on the other. Include the adjective 'challenging'.
💡

Build Your Word Web

Connect 'challenge' to related words like 'obstacle', 'goal', 'effort', 'competition', 'opponent', 'difficult', 'test', and 'overcome'. This helps solidify its meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CHALLENGE' like climbing a steep HILL (CH-ILL) that is AN Edge (EDGE) - it's tough!

Visual Association

Imagine a knight holding a shield with a large 'C' on it, ready to face a dragon (the challenge).

Word Web

Difficulty Obstacle Goal Competition Test Confront Dare Undertake Question

Challenge

Try using 'challenge' in three different sentences today: one about yourself, one about a friend, and one about a difficult situation.

Word Origin

Old French

Original meaning: A dispute, a claim, a summons to combat.

Cultural Context

While generally a positive or neutral term, be mindful of context. 'Challenging' someone directly can sometimes be seen as confrontational if not handled appropriately. In academic or legal contexts, 'challenge' implies a serious dispute.

In English-speaking cultures, 'challenge' is often associated with personal growth, ambition, and overcoming obstacles. There's a cultural value placed on facing difficulties head-on ('rising to the challenge'). It's also common in sports, debates, and business strategy.

The phrase 'the final frontier' often implies a great challenge, famously used in Star Trek. Many self-help books and motivational speeches revolve around embracing challenges. Sports events are inherently built around challenges: 'challenging for the title'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Personal Goals

  • challenge myself to...
  • set a challenge for myself
  • meet the challenge of...
  • overcome a personal challenge

Sports & Games

  • challenge someone to a match/game
  • challenge the record
  • challenge for the title
  • a tough challenge

Work & Business

  • face business challenges
  • challenge the market
  • a challenging project
  • challenge assumptions

Debate & Argument

  • challenge a statement/decision
  • challenge the evidence
  • challenge the status quo
  • issue a challenge

Conversation Starters

"What's the biggest challenge you've overcome recently?"

"If you could set yourself any challenge for next year, what would it be?"

"Are you more motivated by easy tasks or challenging ones?"

"What's a common challenge people face when learning English?"

"Do you prefer to be challenged in your work or studies?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you successfully met a significant challenge. What did you learn?

What is a challenge you are currently facing? How are you approaching it?

Think about a skill you'd like to learn. How can you turn learning it into a manageable challenge?

Write about a time you questioned something you previously believed. What prompted you to challenge your own assumptions?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions
'Difficulty' refers to how hard something is. 'Challenge' can refer to the difficult thing itself, or the act of trying to overcome it. A difficult task is a challenge.
'Challenging' is the adjective form, used to describe something that presents a challenge (e.g., 'This is a challenging task'). 'Challenge' is the noun or verb form.
Yes! Often, facing and overcoming a challenge leads to growth and accomplishment, making it a very positive experience.
You use 'challenge someone TO do something' (e.g., 'I challenge you to finish the race') or 'challenge someone TO a game' (e.g., 'I challenge you to a match').
It means to question whether an assumption is correct or valid, often by providing counter-evidence or logical reasoning.
No. While it can be used in competitions, it also refers to undertaking difficult tasks, questioning ideas, or testing oneself.
A very common one is 'rise to the challenge', meaning to successfully deal with a difficult situation.
Yes, for example, if someone is being confrontational or making unreasonable demands. However, the core meaning often relates to effort and growth.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

Learning to swim was a big ____ for the little boy.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: challenge

'Challenge' means a difficult task, which fits the context of learning to swim.

multiple choice A2

Which sentence uses 'challenge' correctly?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: This math problem is a challenge.

Sentence 2 uses 'challenge' correctly as a noun referring to a difficult problem. Sentence 1 is aggressive, 3 and 4 have incorrect verb forms.

true false B1

If something is 'challenging', it is usually very easy.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'Challenging' means difficult and testing one's abilities, not easy.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These phrases help understand common ways 'challenge' is used.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct sentence is: 'This difficult task was a challenge to the.'

fill blank B2

The new evidence seems to __________ the original verdict.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: challenge

'Challenge' fits best here, meaning to dispute or question the validity of the verdict.

multiple choice C1

What does it mean to 'challenge the status quo'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: To question or disrupt the existing way things are done.

Challenging the status quo means actively questioning or trying to change the current system or norms.

true false C1

Saying 'Challenge accepted!' is typically used in very formal, diplomatic negotiations.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

While it implies willingness, 'Challenge accepted!' is more often used in casual or moderately formal contexts, not usually in high-stakes diplomacy.

fill blank C2

The philosopher's work aimed to __________ the fundamental assumptions of his predecessors.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: challenge

'Challenge' is the most appropriate verb here, implying a deep questioning or disputing of foundational ideas.

sentence completion C2

The explorer's journey pushed the boundaries of known geography, presenting a significant __________ to the scientific community.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The context implies a difficult undertaking that presented new information or questions for scientists, fitting the meaning of 'challenge'.

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