a hard slog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard slog" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a difficult or laborious task or process that requires a lot of effort and perseverance. Example: "Completing the project was a hard slog, but we finally managed to finish it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Daish admitted the season had been a hard slog.

BBC

The spirits business is a hard slog.

The Economist

Still, both economies face a hard slog.

The Economist

It was a hard slog.

The Guardian

The recovery has been a hard slog.

The New York Times - Arts

It will be a hard slog.

The New York Times

But the adjustment was a hard slog.

The Economist

"It's a hard slog," he says.

The New York Times

"You have a hard slog," she said.

The New York Times

But it has been a hard slog".

The Economist

It has been a hard slog.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hard slog" when you want to convey that a task requires sustained effort and is likely to be tiring. This phrase is suitable for describing projects, studies, or any endeavor that demands persistence.

Common error

While widely accepted, consider more formal alternatives like "challenging endeavor" or "laborious undertaking" in academic or professional writing to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard slog" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It typically characterizes an activity or task, indicating that it requires significant and sustained effort. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hard slog" is a commonly used phrase to describe a task or process that demands considerable effort and persistence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral to informal, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. Understanding its function and purpose allows for effective communication when conveying the challenging nature of an undertaking. Remember to consider the context and audience to select the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tough grind

Replaces "slog" with "grind", emphasizing the repetitive and laborious nature of the task.

an uphill battle

Shifts the metaphor to a battle fought on an incline, focusing on the resistance encountered.

a laborious undertaking

Replaces the informal "slog" with the more formal "undertaking", suitable for professional contexts.

a challenging endeavor

Emphasizes the difficulty as a test of skill and resilience.

a demanding task

Highlights the high level of effort required by the task.

a Herculean effort

Alludes to the mythical hero Hercules, emphasizing the immense strength and effort required.

a wearisome journey

Focuses on the tiring and exhausting nature of the process.

a gruelling ordeal

Implies a severe and prolonged experience of hardship.

a tough assignment

Highlights the difficulty of a given task.

a long haul

Focuses on the duration and sustained effort needed to complete the task.

FAQs

How can I use "a hard slog" in a sentence?

"A hard slog" describes a task that requires a lot of effort and perseverance. For example, "Completing the research paper was "a hard slog", but the results were rewarding."

What can I say instead of "a hard slog"?

You can use alternatives such as "a tough grind", "an uphill battle", or "a challenging endeavor" depending on the context.

Is "a hard slog" suitable for formal writing?

While understandable, "a hard slog" is generally more informal. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "a laborious undertaking" or "a demanding task".

What's the difference between "a hard slog" and "a walk in the park"?

"A hard slog" describes something difficult and tiring, while "a walk in the park" implies something is easy and enjoyable. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the effort spectrum.