a difficult endeavor

USAGE SUMMARY

"a difficult endeavor" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to any difficult task or challenge that requires effort and commitment. Example: "Overcoming this obstacle has been a difficult endeavor, but I'm determined to make progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Assessing quality of life (QoL) in urban areas is considered a difficult endeavor.

Cities

In politics, sifting for the truth can be a difficult endeavor.

The New York Times

In our conversation, I tried to get a sense of why understanding crime can be such a difficult endeavor.

The New Yorker

In such a difficult endeavor as the systematic development of biomaterials, computational chemistry is a natural partner for traditional chemists.

Dental Materials

Finding an algorithmic criterion that matches the cartographers' judgment in ranking the significance of features on a terrain is a difficult endeavor.

Computers & Geosciences

And my sympathies go out to him – being a professional photographer is certainly a difficult endeavor by which to make one's living.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Adequately quantifying the flows and stocks of health workers in a globalized world is a very difficult endeavor, as reliable information is nearly impossible to obtain, and is generally described as of poor quality (7) or even anecdotal (8).

Global Health Action

Having a professional career has been a very difficult endeavor for me and it simply doesn't have to be that hard with all the technology and resources at our fingertips.

HuffPost

Impeaching a federal official is an exceedingly difficult endeavor.

The Washington Post

This continues to be a very difficult endeavor.

The New York Times

Developing RFID based applications is a painstakingly difficult endeavor.

Journal of Systems and Software

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task as "a difficult endeavor", provide specific reasons why it is challenging to give your statement more weight and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult endeavor" when the task is only moderately challenging. Reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely involve significant obstacles and effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult endeavor" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object, describing a task or undertaking that presents significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult endeavor" is a commonly used phrase to describe tasks that require significant effort and present substantial challenges. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. When using this phrase, be specific about the reasons for the difficulty and avoid overstating the challenge. Consider alternatives like "a challenging undertaking" or "a tough proposition" to add nuance to your writing. Understanding its proper usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging undertaking

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the task, highlighting the need for skill and effort.

a tough proposition

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the task, implying that it will require significant effort to succeed.

an arduous task

Highlights the labor-intensive and strenuous nature of the task.

a formidable challenge

Suggests that the task presents a significant obstacle that will be hard to overcome.

a complex assignment

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task.

a demanding project

Emphasizes the high expectations and requirements associated with the task.

a herculean effort

Implies that the task requires immense strength and effort, referencing the labors of Hercules.

a trying experience

Focuses on the potentially stressful and difficult nature of the experience.

a complicated process

Highlights the many steps and potential pitfalls involved in the task.

a thorny issue

Focuses on the problematic and potentially contentious nature of the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult endeavor" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult endeavor" to describe a task or project that requires significant effort and faces considerable obstacles. For example, "Launching a new business is often a difficult endeavor."

What are some alternatives to "a difficult endeavor"?

Some alternatives include "a challenging undertaking", "a tough proposition", or "an arduous task", depending on the specific context.

Is "a difficult endeavor" formal or informal?

"A difficult endeavor" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. Its suitability stems from its straightforward and universally understood meaning.

What makes something qualify as "a difficult endeavor"?

A task is considered "a difficult endeavor" when it involves multiple complex steps, requires specialized skills or knowledge, and presents a high risk of failure despite considerable effort.