a more painstaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more painstaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of effort or detail involved in a task or process, indicating that it requires more careful attention than another. Example: "The artist decided to take a more painstaking approach to her latest painting, ensuring every detail was perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The gravy was a more painstaking affair.

The New York Times

Anderson could not have chosen a more painstaking way to make his first animated film.

The New Yorker

Later, the Americans wished a more painstaking investigation had been made.

The New York Times

Under the old system, it was possible to discern a ticket's disappearance, but that would have involved a more painstaking reconstruction.

The New York Times

White vinegar and lemon juice each remove the color from dyed eggs, but in a more painstaking way.

Los Angeles Times

16 It has to be investigated by a more painstaking inquiry.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The big difference between Irritant and "Pigs" is that I wasn't starting with a list of permutated formal sentences so word substitution was a bit more painstaking in Irritant.

Vice

The building, originally 41 stories tall, had been taken down to its 26th floor in a process made more painstaking because of potentially toxic substances inside it.

The New York Times

Still, he continued to work, though in his maturity the composition of his poems became an ever-slower and more painstaking business.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The debut had been laid down in London in an amphetamine-fuelled hurry, but this US-recorded follow-up was more painstaking, as Pearlman favoured a more detailed approach, recording take after take and spending an age on each drum sound; Strummer moaned that Pearlman was "trying to turn us into Fleetwood Mac".

The Guardian - Music

Brushing is slower and more painstaking, but creates a thinner, more even layer of primer onto which to paint.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a more painstaking", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared to. This helps to emphasize the increased level of effort or detail involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a more painstaking" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a more thorough" or "a more meticulous" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more painstaking" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It qualifies a noun, indicating a higher degree of effort, detail, or care associated with it. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a more painstaking" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile adjectival phrase. As Ludwig confirms, it functions to emphasize an elevated degree of effort or meticulousness in a particular task. While not overly frequent, its presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian highlights its appropriateness for both news and more formal communication. For writers seeking alternatives, options such as "a more meticulous" or "a more thorough" can provide similar nuance. The phrase, though relatively uncommon, is a valuable tool for conveying precision and dedication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more meticulous

Focuses on the detailed and precise nature of the effort.

a more thorough

Emphasizes the completeness and comprehensiveness of the work.

a more elaborate

Highlights the complexity and detail involved.

a more conscientious

Stresses the careful and diligent approach taken.

a more elaborate and careful

Combines complexity with attention to detail.

a more rigorous

Implies a strict and demanding approach.

a more exacting

Suggests a high standard of precision and accuracy.

a more diligent

Highlights the consistent and earnest effort applied.

a more scrupulous

Emphasizes the moral or ethical considerations in the effort.

a more fastidious

Indicates an excessive attention to detail and cleanliness.

FAQs

How can I use "a more painstaking" in a sentence?

You can use "a more painstaking" to describe a process or task that requires greater attention to detail or effort than usual. For example, "The artist decided to take "a more painstaking" approach to her latest painting, ensuring every detail was perfect."

What are some alternatives to "a more painstaking"?

Alternatives to "a more painstaking" include "a more meticulous", "a more thorough", or "a more elaborate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a more painstaking"?

It's appropriate to use "a more painstaking" when you want to emphasize that a particular task or process involves a significant amount of care, effort, and attention to detail. It suggests that the task is being approached with a higher level of dedication than usual.

Is "a more painstaking" formal or informal?

"A more painstaking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in formal or professional writing where precision and detail are important. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.