a bit arduous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit arduous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or activity that is somewhat difficult or requires effort. Example: "The hike was a bit arduous, but the views at the top made it worthwhile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

'I think the main issue, after six pavilions have been done already, is that it gets a bit arduous to follow, so for this one we wanted to make it about a series of public events,' Koolhaas says.

The Guardian - Arts

Given how damned big the One M8 is, having the power button up top made it a bit arduous to reach at times.

TechCrunch

Well, one of the film's original financiers was Mehdi Bushehri, the brother-in-law of the Shah of Iran after all, so no wonder it may have been a bit arduous for it to see the light of day with US audiences back in the early 1980s.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Setting your shingle out in the 21st Century might be a bit more arduous.

Harvard University

Placing and maintaining 25 hummingbird feeders per acre, may be a bit too arduous for some growers.

Cornell University

The red tape and timeline are undoubtedly a bit more arduous than agency debt; however, a HUD 223(f) loan, with the right lender, may only take another 30-60 days to close than an agency loan.

Forbes

It's much more democratic, with laypeople and clergy represented in our votes, so progressive change can be a bit more arduous than it is in some other historic denominations.

Huffington Post

So his honeyed words, delivered from a font of Islamic learning in Cairo, will have helped him, at least a bit, in that arduous task.

The Economist

To be honest, it's a bit of an arduous process to first set up your taste profile.

TechCrunch

I was celebrating the fact that after such a long and arduous season, we had managed to save some credibility for our careers and registered a bit of payback for all the hard work we had put in.

BBC

It was better to hedge the real economy, in the '70s, by buying something like a gold substitute, something fixed in supply and arduous to extract from the earth, if quite a bit economically desirable oil.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit arduous" when you want to convey that something is more than just slightly difficult, but not overwhelmingly so. It's suitable for describing tasks that require sustained effort.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit arduous" in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a bit difficult" or "a little tough" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit arduous" functions as an intensifier combined with an adjective. It serves to describe the degree of difficulty or effort associated with a task, process, or experience, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit arduous" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates something is somewhat difficult or requires considerable effort. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it appears more frequently in News & Media and Academia, suggesting a tendency towards formal usage. While "arduous" can sound a bit pretentious in very informal settings, it is a fitting choice when you want to convey more than just slight difficulty. Remember to consider simpler alternatives like "a bit challenging" or "a little tough" in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit challenging

Emphasizes the difficulty as something stimulating rather than overly burdensome.

a bit demanding

Focuses on the high expectations and requirements of the task.

a little taxing

Highlights the depleting effect on one's resources, be it energy or time.

somewhat laborious

Underscores the effort and time involved in a task.

slightly burdensome

Suggests the task adds a weight or difficulty that might be unwelcome.

a touch strenuous

Implies physical or mental effort is needed.

a tad difficult

Reduces the intensity, making it seem less intimidating.

a shade tricky

Implies that care and finesse are needed.

not a piece of cake

Informal idiom meaning not easy.

takes some doing

An idiomatic expression implying effort and persistence are required.

FAQs

What does "a bit arduous" mean?

The phrase "a bit arduous" means something is somewhat difficult, laborious, or requires considerable effort and persistence.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a bit arduous"?

It is appropriate to use "a bit arduous" when describing a task or journey that is challenging and requires sustained effort, fitting well in formal writing or professional communication.

What can I say instead of "a bit arduous"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit challenging", "a little taxing", or "somewhat laborious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a bit arduous" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a bit arduous" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "a bit difficult" or "a little tough" may be more appropriate.