a painstaking work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a painstaking work" is not correct in English.
It should be "painstaking work" without the article "a." You can use it to describe a task or project that requires a lot of careful effort and attention to detail. Example: "The artist's painstaking work on the mural was evident in every brushstroke."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Raised as a Mennonite and trained at the New York Academy of Art, which favors traditional figurative representation, he brings to his art a painstaking work ethic and an earnest humanism.

The New York Times - Arts

This study is a painstaking work of undeniable importance that will culminate in the determination of evidence-based guidelines for drug therapy dosage during ECMO.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But after a decade of painstaking work, a team led by Pierre Maquet of the Cyclotron Research Centre at Liège University in Belgium has managed to do it.

The Economist

They might also argue that monetary union had long been a European ambition, and it took a lot of painstaking work to make it a reality -- so why unravel it now?

Huffington Post

A total of £30m was raised and, after a decade of painstaking work, the researchers developed a form of gene therapy for cystic fibrosis that passed early clinical trials last year.

The Guardian

For archaeologists at a dig, the painstaking work known as picking is an everyday routine.

Science Magazine

Animation in the Works For a summer's worth of painstaking work, a dozen learning-disabled and autistic boys who attend school at Green Chimneys in Brewster will receive a minute and a half of pure joy.

The New York Times

Building a hoist is painstaking work.

The New York Times

Making this transformation – and it is a transformation – requires painstaking work and it takes time.

Independent

Asked whether there was a deal to be had with Iran, Mr. Obama argued that the country was weaker than ever because he had invoked "crippling sanctions" as a result of "painstaking" work that began "the day we got into office".

The New York Times

"They require a lot of very painstaking work, but, coming from a fine arts background, I get a lot of satisfaction when I see a museum project of ours on display," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing tasks requiring significant attention to detail, use "painstaking work" without the indefinite article "a". For example: "The archaeologist's painstaking work uncovered ancient artifacts."

Common error

Avoid using the article "a" before "painstaking work". The word "painstaking" acts as an adjective directly modifying the noun "work", and does not require an article. Correct: "painstaking work". Incorrect: "a painstaking work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to describe a type of effort or activity. Grammatically, the correct form is "painstaking work" without the article. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the presence of the article makes the expression incorrect. Thus, the primary function is adjectival, describing the nature of the "work" itself.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The query "a painstaking work" is flagged by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "painstaking work", where "painstaking" functions as an adjective modifying the noun "work". This phrase describes an activity or task that requires great care, effort, and attention to detail. While the phrase appears in both News & Media and Scientific contexts, remember to omit the article "a" for grammatical correctness. Using alternatives such as "meticulous effort" or "diligent task" can also effectively convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous effort

Replaces "painstaking" with a synonym emphasizing precision and attention to detail; avoids the article "a".

diligent task

Substitutes "painstaking" with a synonym highlighting perseverance and dedication; avoids the article "a".

thorough job

Emphasizes the completeness and comprehensiveness of the work, whereas the original focuses on the effort involved. Omits the article.

careful endeavor

Highlights the caution and attention to detail required in the undertaking. Omits the article.

laborious undertaking

Focuses on the amount of effort and toil involved, rather than the precision. Omits the article.

detailed project

Stresses the complexity and intricacy of the work, rather than the effort needed. Omits the article.

complex assignment

Highlights the multifaceted nature of the task. Omits the article.

demanding activity

Focuses on the challenging nature of the work. Omits the article.

exacting process

Emphasizes the strictness and precision required in the procedure. Omits the article.

scrupulous work

Highlights the moral dimension and the desire to be honest and correct. Omits the article.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "a painstaking work"?

No, the correct phrase is "painstaking work" without the article "a". The word "painstaking" is an adjective that modifies the noun "work" directly.

What does "painstaking work" mean?

It refers to work that requires great care, effort, and attention to detail. It implies a slow, methodical approach to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.

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

Example: "The restoration of the ancient manuscript required years of painstaking work". Another example: "The detective's painstaking work solved the mysterious crime".

What are some alternatives to "painstaking work"?

You can use alternatives such as "meticulous effort", "diligent task", or "thorough job".