arduous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arduous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or journey that is very difficult and requires a lot of effort. Example: "The hike up the mountain was arduous, but the view from the top made it worthwhile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"While this can feel like an arduous and lengthy part of the process, it is a great opportunity to align everyone's expectations as to what the partnership will specifically involve.

The Guardian

The pressure is terrible, and the final stretch in the race to the finish is particularly arduous.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am trying to imagine how I would feel if I were returning home with my children after a long, arduous journey and forced to answer questions that insinuated I had done something I found abhorrent to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

And although donating embryos to other people has for many years been arduous and time-consuming, leaders in the field are trying to streamline the process to make it easier "to offer more embryos for adoption and for [adoptive parents] to find them".

The Guardian

But internally let's just get out of our seats and walk around the office and sort stuff out together informally by chatting and having meetings rather than sending long, long, long arduous emails".

The Guardian

It was an arduous shoot but left happy memories.

The Guardian - Film

Some environmentalists aren't keen on the precedent it sets, but it feels like a sensitive development in the world heritage area that may change a few perceptions of how arduous Tassie's wilderness has to be for visitors.

The Guardian - Travel

Johansson conceded it had been an arduous shoot.

The Guardian - Film

The Gang of Eight has agreed that their bill will provide these unfortunates not only with some sort of formal legal status, but also with the chance to become citizens eventually.Just how arduous that process is will be the main point of contention when the bill is unveiled.

The Economist

But one correspondent, intrigued by the parallels between the two booms, put on stout boots, packed a copy of "The Age of Gold" and set off for Williston.For the '49ers as the men who hurried west in that year became known the trek to California was arduous.

The Economist

Second, clinical trials are arduous.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arduous" when you want to emphasize the difficulty and sustained effort required for a task, journey, or process. It is best suited for situations involving significant challenges and endurance.

Common error

Avoid using "arduous" for tasks that are merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. Reserve it for situations that genuinely require significant effort and perseverance to avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The word "arduous" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe tasks, journeys, or processes that require significant effort and endurance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English. Examples show it describing shoots, journeys, and processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arduous" is a versatile adjective used to describe tasks or journeys requiring significant effort and endurance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and frequent use across various contexts, including news, business, and academic settings. While commonly used, it's important to reserve "arduous" for genuinely challenging situations, avoiding overuse in simple contexts. Consider alternatives like "challenging" or "demanding" to maintain precision in your writing. The most common usage involves news media, business communication, and general academic descriptions, highlighting its appropriateness for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging

Focuses more on the stimulating aspect of difficulty, rather than the exhausting one.

demanding

Highlights the high requirements and expectations involved.

strenuous

Emphasizes the need for physical or mental exertion.

laborious

Stresses the effort and time required.

grueling

Implies extreme exhaustion and difficulty.

toilsome

Focuses on the wearisome nature of the task.

difficult

A more general term for something not easy.

taxing

Highlights the depleting effect on one's resources.

exacting

Stresses the need for precision and care.

tiresome

Focuses on the weariness and boredom the task induces.

FAQs

How to use "arduous" in a sentence?

Use "arduous" to describe something that requires great exertion, like "The journey was long and arduous". It implies a difficult and tiring effort.

What can I say instead of "arduous"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging", "demanding", or "strenuous" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "arduous task" or "arduous duty"?

Both "arduous task" and "arduous duty" are correct, as "arduous" can describe any activity that requires significant effort and endurance.

What's the difference between "arduous" and "onerous"?

"Arduous" emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved, while "onerous" highlights the burdensome and oppressive nature of a task. An "onerous" task is not only difficult but also feels like a heavy responsibility.