a time consuming drag

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time consuming drag" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an activity or task that takes a lot of time and is tedious or frustrating. Example: "Completing the paperwork for the project turned out to be a time consuming drag that delayed our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For most of the last century, Americans have been told repeatedly that cooking is a time-consuming drag.

The New York Times

This is a time consuming process.

Ultrasonics

This is generally a time consuming and expensive task.

TechCrunch

It was also a time consuming experience.

Huffington Post

A time consuming effort, to say the least.

Huffington Post

This need not be a time consuming process.

Huffington Post

This is a time consuming job [ 3].

BMC Health Services Research

It was a time consuming intervention.

BioMed Research International

This can be a time consuming event.

WikiHow

Navigating all that content can be a little time consuming.

TechCrunch

More Time Making wealth is a very time consuming affair.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience: While understandable, "a time consuming drag" is somewhat informal. For formal writing, opt for alternatives like "a lengthy process" or "a protracted undertaking".

Common error

Avoid using "a time consuming drag" in formal reports or academic papers. It's too colloquial and lacks the professional tone required for such documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as lengthy, tedious, and undesirable. The phrase is not directly supported by Ludwig examples, but Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a time consuming drag" describes something that is both lengthy and tedious, implying frustration with the time commitment involved. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, the lack of real-world examples suggests it's not a frequently used expression. Its informal register makes it unsuitable for academic or professional writing. When needing alternatives, consider phrases like "a tedious chore" for emphasis on tedium or "a lengthy process" for a more formal tone. Always adjust your word choice based on the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tedious chore

Emphasizes the boring and monotonous aspect more strongly than the original phrase.

a protracted ordeal

Focuses on the difficulty and unpleasantness, alongside the length of the task.

a lengthy hassle

Highlights the inconvenience and trouble caused by the time-consuming nature of the activity.

a protracted inconvenience

Stresses the irritating nature of the extensive delay or time commitment.

a drawn-out affair

Emphasizes the prolonged and often unnecessary duration of the task or event.

an inefficient process

Shifts the focus to the lack of efficiency in the activity, which leads to wasted time.

a time sink

A more concise term referring specifically to activities that consume a lot of time without producing valuable results.

a drain on resources

Focuses on the consumption of various resources, including time and energy.

a waste of effort

Stresses that the time spent is not proportionate to the value or result gained.

an unproductive activity

Focuses on the absence of valuable output or progress despite the time investment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a time consuming drag" to sound more formal?

For formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "a lengthy process", "a protracted undertaking", or "an extended procedure".

Is "a time consuming drag" appropriate for all types of writing?

While generally understandable, "a time consuming drag" is best suited for informal or conversational writing. Avoid using it in formal academic or business contexts.

What does it mean when something is described as "a time consuming drag"?

It means the activity or task not only takes a significant amount of time, but it's also tedious, unpleasant, and feels like a burden.

Are there synonyms for "a time consuming drag" that emphasize the frustration aspect?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a tedious chore", "a lengthy hassle", or "a protracted ordeal" to highlight the frustrating nature of the time-consuming activity.