a strenuous one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strenuous one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task, activity, or situation that requires a lot of effort or energy. Example: "Completing the marathon was a strenuous one, but the sense of accomplishment made it worthwhile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As debated by the UN high level panel, the process of integrating people with disabilities into the workplace is without doubt a strenuous one, and more so in developing countries where efforts to include them can be made more complex by a network of wider problems such as poverty and a subsequent lack of access to services.

The Guardian

Though the Harkins Ridge Trail that we took, for example, is a strenuous one that goes straight up for about two and a half miles, it isn't the only way to see the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve; there is also the half-mile-long Redwood Trail, an easy and flat trail that begins at the north entrance and leads to picnic tables sheltered by redwood groves.

The New York Times - Travel

For your basic hour-long workouts like weightlifting, spinning, running, boot camps -- I recommend a carb focused meal with some protein to provide a stream of energy during a strenuous one hour exercise.

Huffington Post

One possible explanation for this is that the exercise course most capable of producing long-term physiological changes is quite a strenuous one.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In a representative study published last year in The Journal of Human Kinetics, a group of 36 active adults undertook a strenuous, one-time program of forward lunges while holding barbells, an exercise almost guaranteed to make untrained people extremely sore the next day.

The New York Times

"Back to Broadway," his act at Feinstein's at the Regency (540 Park Avenue, at 61st Street) through Saturday, is a strenuous one-man Catskills-style variety turn in which Mr. Linden, best known for starring in the television series " Barney Miller," does everything short of taming lions.

The New York Times - Arts

If the decision to work fewer hours was simply about maintaining the same lifestyle – or an even less strenuous one – the implicit conclusion that Fox makes about the kind of person who would choose to work less might be valid – and ugly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The trip was a long and unusually strenuous one.

Huffington Post

Abrupt changes in physical activity, especially strenuous ones, can cause sudden onset of shoulder pain in a recovering shoulder.

WikiHow

According to Jeff Wilson, the author of "Mindful America: The Mutual Transformation of Buddhist Meditation and American Culture," mindfulness in traditional Buddhist commentaries was "presented as a strenuous, lifelong task, one that occurs within a framework of renunciation and detachment".

The New Yorker

The New Me finds the environment in Los Angeles an existence of thinly veiled aggression and an orange hunting vest hue of competitiveness, fueled by ephemeral, sometimes desperate dreams, materialism and a strenuous cultivation of one's image.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical activities or tasks, use "a strenuous one" to accurately convey the significant effort and energy required. For example, "The hike to the summit was a strenuous one".

Common error

Avoid using "a strenuous one" to describe situations that are merely complex or intellectually challenging, as it primarily implies physical exertion. For example, instead of saying "The debate was a strenuous one", consider using alternatives like "challenging" or "complex".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strenuous one" functions as a descriptive term, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something requires considerable effort, energy, or exertion. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a strenuous one" is grammatically sound and serves to describe something requiring considerable effort or energy. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its neutrality in register. While "a strenuous one" is effective for highlighting physical exertion, it's best to avoid it in purely intellectual contexts where alternatives like "challenging" or "complex" may be more appropriate. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "a strenuous one" to convey the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a demanding task

Emphasizes the high requirements and effort needed.

a rigorous endeavor

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness involved.

a challenging undertaking

Focuses on the difficulties and obstacles faced.

a taxing activity

Underscores the draining or burdensome nature of the activity.

an arduous effort

Stresses the laboriousness and difficulty of the effort.

a laborious job

Highlights the amount of work and effort involved.

a difficult assignment

Emphasizes the complexity and problems associated with the assignment.

a tough proposition

Focuses on the challenging nature of the proposal or situation.

an exacting process

Highlights the need for precision and care.

a grueling experience

Emphasizes the physically and mentally exhausting nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "a strenuous one" in a sentence?

Use "a strenuous one" to describe activities or tasks requiring significant physical effort or energy. For example, "The workout was "a strenuous one", leaving me exhausted."

What are some alternatives to saying "a strenuous one"?

Alternatives include "a demanding task", "a challenging undertaking", or "a taxing activity", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a strenuous one" to describe a mental activity?

While technically correct, "a strenuous one" is typically used to describe activities requiring physical exertion. For mental activities, consider alternatives like "a demanding task" or "a challenging endeavor".

What's the difference between "a strenuous one" and "a difficult one"?

"A strenuous one" implies a high degree of physical effort or energy expenditure, while "a difficult one" simply suggests that something is hard to do or achieve, regardless of physical demands. So, strenuous primarily relates to physical effort.