an arduous undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an arduous undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is very difficult and requires a lot of effort and perseverance. Example: "Climbing Mount Everest is considered an arduous undertaking that tests the limits of human endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Jason Wood: Given its location, Far North must have been an arduous undertaking.

The Guardian - Film

It can be assumed that they were put to work on the tobacco harvest, an arduous undertaking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, finding the veterans in their camps is an arduous undertaking, requiring hours of trekking through the jungle.

The New York Times

Admiral Clark acknowledged that the increasing security would be an arduous undertaking, in part because it is impractical to keep every small craft away from a visiting warship.

The New York Times

So, sure, I could banter with the jovial rap duo Run the Jewels at 10 AM while in that twilight zone between buzzed and drunk (courtesy of my friend's homemade everclear-based drink that she gave me specifically for the task), but translating that experience into a sensical narrative was an arduous undertaking unless I gained a degree of sobriety.

Vice

However, many aspects of Phytophthora pathogenicity remain obscure, and investigating the action of specific genes in the infection process has always been an arduous undertaking.

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As with any arduous undertaking, we emerge from grief stronger.

Huffington Post

Stanford argues, however, it would have been a less arduous undertaking than might be expected.

The Guardian

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt said it would recall print copies of "Imagine," an expensive and arduous undertaking that suggested the publisher was taking Mr. Lehrer's sins seriously.

The New York Times

As with all of Wright's work, it has been a long and arduous undertaking.

The Guardian - Arts

It tries to end on an ambivalent note, but the play, dedicated to Ms. Shavers's mother, clearly extols parenthood as a noble if arduous undertaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an arduous undertaking", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific difficulties and efforts involved. Providing concrete examples will strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an arduous undertaking" for tasks that are merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. Reserve it for situations genuinely demanding significant effort and perseverance, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an arduous undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "arduous" modifies the noun "undertaking". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a task or project.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an arduous undertaking" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to describe a task or project that demands significant effort and perseverance. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. For alternatives, consider "a challenging endeavor" or "a difficult task", but be mindful of potential overstatement, reserving it for situations truly deserving of such emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging endeavor

Emphasizes the challenging aspect of the task, slightly more formal.

a difficult task

Focuses on the difficulty of the task, less emphasis on the scale or commitment.

a demanding project

Highlights the high demands and requirements of the project.

a taxing effort

Focuses on the draining nature of the effort required.

a formidable challenge

Stresses the imposing and daunting nature of the challenge.

a grueling task

Highlights the exhausting and physically demanding aspect of the task.

a strenuous effort

Focuses on the vigorous and intense effort required.

a laborious task

Emphasizes the effort and time required.

a Herculean task

Implies a task of immense difficulty, requiring extraordinary strength and effort, referencing the mythical hero Hercules.

a back-breaking job

Highlights the physically demanding and exhausting aspect of the job.

FAQs

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

You can use "an arduous undertaking" to describe a task or project that requires significant effort and perseverance. For example, "Climbing Mount Everest is considered "an arduous undertaking" that tests the limits of human endurance."

What can I say instead of "an arduous undertaking"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging endeavor", "a difficult task", or "a demanding project" depending on the context.

What makes something "an arduous undertaking"?

Something is considered ""an arduous undertaking"" when it involves considerable difficulty, sustained effort, and a significant commitment of time and resources. It often implies overcoming obstacles and enduring hardship.

Is it better to say "arduous task" or "arduous undertaking"?

Both "arduous task" and "arduous undertaking" are correct, but "arduous undertaking" often implies a larger, more complex, or longer-term project than "arduous task". The choice depends on the specific context.