Grammar fix
pose a challenge
create difficulty
to be something that is difficult to deal with
collocationC1occasional
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Rising sea levels pose a serious challenge to coastal cities.society
- An ageing population poses a challenge for healthcare systems all over the world.IELTS Part 3
Fix the pattern
Pattern: pose a challenge (to / for someone)
WrongClimate change poses a challenge of coastal cities.
RightClimate change poses a challenge to / for coastal cities.
'Pose a challenge TO / FOR' someone — not 'of'.
Patternpose a challenge (to / for someone)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Pose a challenge' is the natural (slightly formal) collocation; 'presents a formidable predicament' is overblown.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
pose a challenge toa serious challengea threata riskto the system
Don't confuse it
To present a difficulty, not to dare someone to a contest.