a trying process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “a trying process” is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is difficult, exhausting, or challenging. For example: “Getting my driver's license was a trying process.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Housing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Unfortunately, misinformation and a trying process are going to deny parents a new middle school option," he said in a statement.

The New York Times

If history is any guide, new market leadership typically develops in periods of falling stock prices - and it can be a trying process for investors.

The New York Times

What pushed us to do it now was that we set up a 401(k) plan for our employees and it was such a trying process.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Throughout what was an incredibly trying process for him and his family, which took an immense psychological and physical toll, this man remained dignified.

The Guardian

Since IBS symptoms are unique to each individual, experimentation with treatment can be a long and trying process.

Vice

But in reality it can be a time-consuming and trying process, as Kathryn River has learned.

The New York Times

It's a tried and true process, but it isn't simple: Hadoop, which is mostly written in Java, has a reputation for being difficult.

TechCrunch

For a physician, trying to process this rush of inputs can feel like drinking from a fire hose into which someone occasionally squirts a stream of arsenic.

The New York Times

Once it was over, I ran out the door to my car and sat there for a while trying to process what I heard and how I reacted.

HuffPost

Zane Lowe was less an interrogator than a hostage negotiator trying to process a series of outlandish demands while maintaining at least a veneer of normality.

The Guardian - Music

It is for this reason that increasing the binning of the WMAP is recommended only for the cases where mkwarf cannot process the unbinned (bin=1) input file (mkwarf may hit a memory limit when trying to process a large file).

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "a trying process" to emphasize the demanding and exhausting aspects of it. This subtly alerts the audience to the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid using "trying" repetitively within a paragraph. If you've already described something as "a trying process", vary your language in subsequent sentences to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trying process" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'trying' modifies 'process' to indicate its difficult or challenging nature. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Tech

11%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trying process" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a difficult or challenging experience. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare in occurrence, it's commonly found in News & Media contexts. It serves to emphasize the demanding aspects of an undertaking. Consider alternatives like "a challenging experience" or "a difficult undertaking" for varied expression. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing 'trying' and consider its impact on your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging experience

Emphasizes the difficulty as a test of one's abilities or resources rather than simply a process.

a difficult undertaking

Highlights the effort and labor involved, shifting focus from the emotional toll to the practical challenges.

an uphill battle

Conveys a sense of ongoing struggle and resistance throughout the process.

a taxing endeavor

Focuses on the depleting or burdensome nature of the process.

a demanding procedure

Highlights the high requirements and expectations of the process.

a grueling ordeal

Suggests a more intense and potentially painful experience than a simply difficult process.

a frustrating affair

Emphasizes the irritation and annoyance caused by the process.

a testing time

Highlights the evaluative aspect of the experience, implying that one's resilience or abilities are being challenged.

a tough situation

Shifts the focus from the process itself to the overall circumstances.

a stressful period

Focuses on the anxiety and pressure associated with the process, rather than the process itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trying process" to describe any difficult or challenging procedure. For example: "Navigating the legal system proved to be "a trying process"".

What are some alternatives to "a trying process"?

Some alternatives include "a challenging experience", "a difficult undertaking", or "a grueling ordeal", depending on the context and the intensity you want to convey.

Is "a trying process" the same as "a trial process"?

No, "a trying process" refers to a difficult or challenging experience, while "a trial process" typically refers to a formal legal or experimental procedure. Although both can be trying, they have different primary meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "a trying process" in my writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the difficulty, stress, or emotional toll involved in a particular process. It's particularly effective when the audience might not fully appreciate the challenges involved.