Vigorous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "vigorous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is energetic and strong. For example, "He performed the exercise with vigorous effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After darkness fell New York became the scene of the most vigorous protests.

The Guardian

The point I made was in the long run a free and vigorous media are good for democracy, are good for security, and are good for stability.

The Guardian

While a way the hours in between lying by the pool, or treat yourself to a vigorous ayurvedic massage.

The Guardian - Travel

All of which might make sense if the English were any good at this game, or had been since the best of the rest cottoned on and began to transform this brilliantly simple sport into a vigorous practical science, rather than just a place of lucrative tribalism and cartoonish operetta.

The Guardian - Sport

Scarlett-Rose Davis, an Australian toddler, made headlines when the video of her undergoing the challenge went viral for her vigorous use of expletives.

The Guardian

However there has been a vigorous debate about whether the increase in lower atmosphere temperatures has slowed down.

The Guardian

Some key issues needed "vigorous" discussion as part of a new deal, a spokesman said.

The Guardian

I managed to centre myself in the evening with half an hour's quick meditation and a vigorous bout of Cappadocian quadricep-flurries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt's office issued a statement saying: "As is our duty, our office will provide for a vigorous defense of the state's duly enacted laws".

The Guardian

Ready For Warren, a campaign group which has urged the senator to run, said after Clinton's announcement on Sunday that the party needed "vigorous debate" on subjects such as entitlements, banking reform and workers' rights.

The Guardian

They want to mount vigorous campaigns to rally disgruntled Labour, Green and socialist voters in key Labour areas of Glasgow, Dundee and North Lanarkshire, which voted yes in September's independence referendum.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vigorous" to describe something that is done with force, energy, or enthusiasm. It is suitable for both physical actions and abstract concepts like "vigorous debate".

Common error

While "vigorous" is a strong word, it might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "energetic" or "lively" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The word "vigorous" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that possesses strength, energy, or intensity. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe protests, debate, campaigns and defense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

27%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vigorous" is a versatile adjective used to describe actions, debates, and growth with significant energy and strength. As confirmed by Ludwig, its proper grammatical function and frequent usage across various domains like news, business, and lifestyle contexts make it a robust choice for writers. While suitable for formal and neutral tones, remember that in very informal contexts there may be more appropriate alternatives. The high source quality and frequency of "vigorous" demonstrate its established and reliable presence in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Energetic

Focuses more on the activity level and less on the inherent strength.

Robust

Emphasizes the health and resilience aspect.

Dynamic

Highlights the active and changing nature.

Intense

Emphasizes the high degree of effort or feeling.

Forceful

Suggests the presence of power and impact.

Strenuous

Focuses on the demanding effort required.

Lively

Highlights the spirited and animated quality.

Spirited

Highlights enthusiasm and determination.

Active

Focuses on the physical activity and movement involved.

Powerful

Emphasizes the strength and ability to exert influence.

FAQs

How to use "vigorous" in a sentence?

You can use "vigorous" to describe an action or activity done with energy and strength, as in "a vigorous workout", or to describe something that is growing strongly, as in "vigorous plant growth".

What can I say instead of "vigorous"?

You can use alternatives like "energetic", "robust", or "intense", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "vigorous intensity"?

Yes, "vigorous intensity" is a common term, especially in the context of physical activity and exercise, to describe a high level of exertion.

What's the difference between "vigorous" and "active"?

"Active" generally refers to engaging in activities, while "vigorous" implies that the activity is done with great energy and force. A "vigorous activity" is more intense than a simple active one.