a painstaking process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a painstaking process" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or activity that requires a lot of careful effort and attention to detail. Example: "The restoration of the ancient manuscript was a painstaking process that took several years to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a painstaking process.

The New York Times

But it is a painstaking process.

The New York Times

Testing is a painstaking process.

The New York Times - Sports

'It is a painstaking process,' he said.

The Guardian

Such a painstaking process could take days.

The New York Times

It is a painstaking process, in warm, muggy conditions.

Independent

It was a painstaking process of trial and error.

The New York Times - Sports

Creating the busts has been a painstaking process.

The New York Times - Arts

Choosing who appears on stamps is a painstaking process.

The Guardian

So he had to drag it onto the flatbed, a painstaking process that took 45 minutes.

The New York Times

In an era of mobile global capital, that will require international cooperation, a painstaking process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex procedures, pair "a painstaking process" with verbs like "involve", "require", or "entail" to underscore the demanding nature of the task.

Common error

Avoid using "a painstaking process" for tasks that are merely routine or slightly challenging. This diminishes the phrase's impact and can make your writing sound overly dramatic. Use it specifically when describing tasks that genuinely demand exceptional care and attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a painstaking process" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a task or activity characterized by its demand for meticulous care and sustained effort, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a painstaking process" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys the high level of care, effort, and precision required in a particular task. As evidenced by examples from Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the described process genuinely demands exceptional attention to detail. Alternatives like "a meticulous procedure" or "a laborious undertaking" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meticulous procedure

Focuses on the precision and thoroughness involved.

a laborious undertaking

Highlights the extensive effort and hard work required.

a demanding task

Emphasizes the difficulty and high standards involved.

an exacting endeavor

Stresses the need for accuracy and precision.

a thorough operation

Highlights the comprehensive and detailed nature of the work.

a careful approach

Focuses on the attentiveness and caution required.

a detailed investigation

Emphasizes the in-depth analysis and examination involved.

a complex undertaking

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the work.

a time-consuming activity

Focuses on the significant amount of time required.

a challenging effort

Emphasizes the difficulty and determination needed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a painstaking process" to describe any task or activity that requires significant effort, care, and attention to detail. For example: "The restoration of the painting was "a painstaking process" that took many months".

What are some alternatives to "a painstaking process"?

Some alternatives include "a meticulous procedure", "a laborious undertaking", or "a demanding task depending" on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'a painstaking process'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across numerous reputable sources.

What makes a process 'painstaking'?

A process is considered "painstaking" when it demands a high degree of care, precision, and effort, often requiring a significant amount of time and attention to detail.