a strenuous undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strenuous undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that requires a lot of effort, energy, or hard work. Example: "Climbing Mount Everest is considered a strenuous undertaking that demands both physical and mental endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When the three researchers reached Kichang, they went door to door asking people to speak their native tongue — not a strenuous undertaking in a village of only four bamboo houses set on stilts.

The New York Times - Science

Those who believe that California is in decline will naturally shrink back from such a strenuous undertaking.

Huffington Post

This echoes Brown's 2012 State of the State Speech in which he said, "Those who believe that California is in decline will naturally shrink back from such a strenuous undertaking..

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

None of this prevented Kennedy from undertaking a strenuous life in politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mrs. Clinton's campaign, which has raised $8 million, has also undertaken a strenuous direct-mail effort outside of New York, and her celebrity has no doubt helped her to raise far more than a first-time candidate would otherwise be expected to collect.

The New York Times

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

According to Stanley Jones, Bryan's plan for victory was to undertake a strenuous train tour, bringing his message to the people.

Wikipedia

All plans for him to sing the part came to nothing because he was wary of undertaking such a strenuous role.

The Guardian

A strenuous rehabilitation.

The New York Times - Sports

It's quite a strenuous routine.

The New York Times

It was quite a strenuous tour.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a strenuous undertaking" when you want to emphasize that a task requires significant effort, energy, and commitment. This phrase is suitable for describing projects that are physically demanding, mentally challenging, or both.

Common error

While "strenuous" is a perfectly valid word, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "difficult", "challenging", or "tough" when communicating informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strenuous undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "strenuous" is an adjective modifying the noun "undertaking". It describes a task or project that demands considerable effort, energy, and commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strenuous undertaking" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a task requiring significant effort and energy. While not frequently used, it's appropriate for both formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, suggesting alternatives such as "a challenging task" or "a demanding endeavor" for varied expression. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the seriousness and effort associated with the activity being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a demanding endeavor

Replaces 'strenuous' with 'demanding' and 'undertaking' with 'endeavor', focusing on the high requirements of the task.

a challenging task

Substitutes 'strenuous' with 'challenging', highlighting the difficulty aspect.

an arduous task

Uses 'arduous' instead of 'strenuous', emphasizing the laboriousness of the task.

a formidable project

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'project' and 'strenuous' with 'formidable', suggesting a significant obstacle.

a tough assignment

Employs 'tough' and 'assignment' to convey a difficult and designated task.

a herculean effort

Implies the task requires immense strength and effort, like that of Hercules.

a laborious task

Focuses on the effort being time-consuming and requiring considerable labor.

an uphill battle

Figuratively describes the task as facing strong resistance and requiring significant effort to overcome.

a complex operation

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the undertaking.

a monumental task

Emphasizes the size and importance of the undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strenuous undertaking" to describe tasks that demand significant effort. For example: "Climbing Mount Everest is "a strenuous undertaking" that requires extensive preparation."

What are some synonyms for "a strenuous undertaking"?

Alternatives include "a demanding endeavor", "a challenging task", or "an arduous task", each emphasizing different aspects of the difficulty.

Is it appropriate to use "a strenuous undertaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "a strenuous undertaking" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly conveys the idea that a task requires significant effort and dedication.

What is the difference between "a strenuous undertaking" and "a difficult task"?

While both describe challenging activities, "a strenuous undertaking" often implies a higher degree of sustained effort and commitment than "a difficult task", suggesting a more involved and demanding project.