an arduous route

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an arduous route" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a path or journey that is difficult, challenging, or requires significant effort to traverse. Example: "The hikers decided to take an arduous route through the mountains, knowing it would test their endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A 38-year-old former journeyman who did not win a ranking event until 2011, Bingham has been this year's revelation, garnering much public support on the back of tears of joy shed in the wake of wins over Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump on an arduous route to his first world title decider.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It has been a surprisingly arduous route to a gold medal for Richards, the charismatic American who has established herself as the world's leading 400-meter runner but — because of health problems and pressure-management problems — had not been able to establish herself as a champion until now.

The New York Times - Sports

We have had a more arduous route to the seats we hold.

The Guardian

It becomes your life – and while at times it may seem like a long, arduous route to take, the buzz you get when you see that work paying off is incredible.

The Guardian

Diaz-Canel "has an arduous road to walk".

Los Angeles Times

In short, the men took an arduous, costly route — the only one open to them — to gain the traditional satisfaction of seeing themselves in their children's faces.

The New York Times - Books

We were climbing the Machame Route, which is a longer and - at least in one sense - more arduous route than the Marangu or (so some call it) "Coca Cola Route".

The Guardian - Travel

On Monday, Mr. Larsen said he did not believe Prosper would need to follow the same arduous route, pointing out that Lending Club sets the interest rates on its loans and was itself financing about half the overall loan volume on the site.

The New York Times - Tech

Third, they also convey a broad range of practical experience relevant to the formation of moral character which would otherwise have to be acquired, if at all, by the more arduous route of first-hand experience.

SEP

There were 184 stations along the long and arduous route used by the Pony Express.

Wikipedia

The LSWR required such a locomotive, which would need to cope with increasing train loads on this long and arduous route to the West Country.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or journey, use "an arduous route" to emphasize the difficulty and the considerable effort required to overcome obstacles along the way. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to highlight resilience and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "an arduous route" when a simpler or more direct alternative would suffice. If the challenge is not truly significant, using "difficult" or "challenging" will be more appropriate. Overusing "arduous" can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an arduous route" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig suggests that it denotes something requiring strenuous effort; it typically describes a course, journey, or process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an arduous route" is a phrase used to describe a particularly difficult or challenging path, journey, or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "difficult journey", it effectively conveys a sense of prolonged effort and significant obstacles. It is most frequently found in news and media, but is also appropriate for scientific and formal contexts. Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the taxing nature of an undertaking and the resilience required to overcome its hurdles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging path

Focuses on the difficulty of the path itself, emphasizing the tests it presents.

a difficult journey

Emphasizes the overall difficulty of the experience rather than just the physical path.

a taxing endeavor

Shifts the focus to the effort required, highlighting the demanding nature of the undertaking.

a grueling trek

Specifically refers to a physically demanding journey, often involving hiking or backpacking.

a strenuous course

Highlights the effort and energy required, often implying a test of endurance.

a laborious process

Focuses on the time and effort required, emphasizing the tedious nature of the task.

a demanding undertaking

Emphasizes the high level of skill or effort required for the task.

a formidable task

Highlights the difficulty and potential for failure, emphasizing the need for careful planning and execution.

a trying experience

Shifts the focus to the emotional and mental strain caused by the difficulty.

a complicated procedure

Emphasizes the intricate steps and potential for error, highlighting the need for precision and expertise.

FAQs

How can I use "an arduous route" in a sentence?

You can use "an arduous route" to describe a difficult or challenging path, journey, or process. For example: "The climbers chose "an arduous route" to the summit" or "The company faced "an arduous route" to profitability".

What are some synonyms for "an arduous route"?

Some synonyms for "an arduous route" include "a challenging path", "a difficult journey", or "a taxing endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "an arduous route" when describing something difficult?

No, "an arduous route" is best used when the difficulty involves considerable effort, endurance, and perseverance. If the task is merely complicated or complex, other phrases might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "an arduous route" and "a difficult route"?

"Arduous" implies a greater degree of difficulty and prolonged effort than "difficult". A "difficult route" might be challenging, but "an arduous route" suggests a long and strenuous undertaking.