a tortuous process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tortuous process" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complicated, lengthy, or convoluted procedure or series of events. Example: "The approval of the project turned out to be a tortuous process, involving numerous revisions and endless meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Traveling today can certainly be a tortuous process," he said.

The New York Times

Driving during the rainy season can be a tortuous process.

The Economist

For nursing homes to pursue an appeal is a tortuous process".

The New York Times

This would require U.N. Security Council approval — a tortuous process with no certain outcome.

The New York Times

Authorising the book's release into the public domain has been a tortuous process.

The Guardian

The bill would also streamline what is now a tortuous process.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

A high official predicts a "slow, tortuous process" in raising the numbers by much.What lies behind this broad Indian push is not hard to divine.

The Economist

With more than 60 years of fighting between the army and minority groups, and 50 years of hostility between dissidents and the junta from which the new government emerged, national reconciliation is bound to be a long, tortuous process.

The Guardian

Finalizing the bill, which comes 6 weeks after the start of the 1998 fiscal year, was a "long, tortuous process," says Representative John Porter (R-IL), chair of the House appropriations subcommittee.

Science Magazine

Albuquerque et al. (88) described a rather tortuous process for calculating ligand field parameters for lanthanide coordination complexes.

Chemical Reviews

Historically, transfer of research from the bench to the bedside is a long, tortuous process – one that is not driven by anything very clear and that seems to be based more on fad and coincidence than on a keen, evidence-based evaluation of the literature.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tortuous process" when you want to emphasize not just the difficulty, but also the convoluted, winding, and potentially frustrating nature of a process. It implies more than just difficulty; it suggests a path filled with obstacles and delays.

Common error

Avoid using "a tortuous process" simply as a synonym for "difficult". Ensure the process genuinely involves complexity, delays, and frustrating obstacles. If it's merely challenging but straightforward, other terms are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tortuous process" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a process characterized by complexity and difficulty, as illustrated by Ludwig examples like "Authorising the book's release into the public domain has been a tortuous process". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tortuous process" is a common phrase used to describe a complicated, lengthy, and often frustrating procedure. Ludwig examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its usage across news, business, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this phrase. When using "a tortuous process", ensure that the process truly involves significant complexity and difficulty, and that other, simpler synonyms don't suffice. Alternative phrases such as "a difficult undertaking" or "a complicated procedure" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complicated procedure

Highlights the intricate and complex nature.

an arduous undertaking

Stresses the difficulty and strenuous effort involved.

a convoluted affair

Suggests a winding and confusing situation.

a difficult undertaking

Emphasizes the challenge and effort involved.

a Byzantine process

Suggests excessive complexity and secretiveness.

a labyrinthine journey

Implies a complex and confusing path with many obstacles.

a painstaking endeavor

Highlights the meticulous care and effort required.

a lengthy ordeal

Focuses on the duration and unpleasantness.

a grueling experience

Emphasizes the exhausting and demanding nature.

a wearisome task

Focuses on the tiring and monotonous aspects.

FAQs

What does "a tortuous process" mean?

The phrase "a tortuous process" describes a procedure or series of events that is complicated, lengthy, and full of difficulties and obstacles. It suggests a frustrating and potentially drawn-out experience.

How can I use "a tortuous process" in a sentence?

You might say, "Navigating the legal system proved to be "a tortuous process", filled with paperwork and delays".

What are some alternatives to "a tortuous process"?

You can use alternatives like "a complicated procedure", "a lengthy ordeal", or "an arduous undertaking" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a torturous process" instead of "a tortuous process"?

"Torturous" means inflicting torture, while "tortuous" means winding, complex, or difficult. Therefore, "a tortuous process" is the correct phrase to describe a complicated or lengthy procedure. "Torturous" would only be correct if the process literally involved torture.