a time-consuming operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time-consuming operation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or process that requires a significant amount of time to complete. Example: "The data analysis was a time-consuming operation that took several hours to finalize."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Reloading is a time-consuming operation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The memory copy is a time-consuming operation when there are many landmarks in the map.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The drying of the adsorbent using vacuum and dry air is feasible, but it is a time-consuming operation.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

Sorting of a large number of points is a time-consuming operation, and it can significantly affect the time of execution of this method.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The optimization of complex shape silencing systems is generally a time-consuming operation, which must be carried out by means of concurrent experimental measurements and numerical simulations.

Computers & Fluids

It can be a time-consuming operation on large datasets, converting in the order of 40 000 sequences per second, although this is only around 70% slower than converting SAM to BAM using SAMtools.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Again, grouping is a time consuming operation, doing it thrice makes the algorithm considerably slower.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

This is a time consuming operation typically taking several minutes for each sample.

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

Since pairwise comparison of biological networks is a time consuming operation, exhaustive database searches are impractical for such databases.

Bioinformatics

Although moving inmates can be a costly, time-consuming operation that carries its own risks, such as the potential for escapes, history has shown that leaving prisoners behind can also have dire consequences.

Vice

Testing intermediate solutions with precision is an especially time-consuming operation.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a time-consuming operation", clearly indicate why it is time-consuming. Is it due to complexity, the need for precision, or the sheer volume of work involved?

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who or what is performing the "time-consuming operation". Instead of "The process is a time-consuming operation", specify: "Implementing this new security protocol is a time-consuming operation for the IT department."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time-consuming operation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It describes a task or process characterized by its extended duration. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where the phrase modifies nouns and actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time-consuming operation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a task or process requiring a significant time investment. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources reveals that this phrase is most frequently found in scientific and technical contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the reasons behind the time consumption and avoid overusing passive voice. Alternatives such as "time-intensive process" or "lengthy undertaking" can offer variety. Understanding these nuances will allow you to employ the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Time-intensive process

Uses a more formal synonym for 'consuming'.

Lengthy undertaking

Replaces 'operation' with a more general term for a task.

Tedious task

Focuses on the potentially boring nature of the activity.

Protracted activity

Emphasizes the extended duration of the activity.

Elaborate procedure

Highlights the complexity and detail involved.

Time-draining endeavor

Emphasizes the energy depletion associated with the task.

Long-drawn-out process

Stresses the unnecessary extension of the task.

Demanding activity

Focuses on the effort required, in addition to the time.

Extensive work

Highlights the amount of labor involved.

Laborious effort

Emphasizes the amount of hard work involved.

FAQs

How can I use "a time-consuming operation" in a sentence?

You can use "a time-consuming operation" to describe any process or task that requires a significant amount of time to complete. For example, "Data migration can be "a time-consuming operation" if not planned carefully."

What are some alternatives to "a time-consuming operation"?

Alternatives include "time-intensive process", "lengthy undertaking", or "tedious task" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very time-consuming operation"?

While not strictly redundant, "very time-consuming operation" can often be simplified to just "a time-consuming operation" or replaced with a more descriptive phrase depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a time-consuming operation" and "an efficient operation"?

"A time-consuming operation" indicates a process that takes a lot of time. Conversely, "an efficient operation" indicates a process that is performed quickly and effectively, minimizing wasted time and resources.