arduous assignments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arduous assignments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tasks or projects that are difficult, challenging, or require a significant amount of effort to complete. Example: "The students were overwhelmed by the number of arduous assignments given by their professors this semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Second Platoon, Company B has endured one of the most arduous assignments in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'll give you a day with Gielgud, and you'll share a trailer with Jack Lemmon.'" Sewell accepted, and shot his scenes on a break from a much more arduous assignment, as Giles in a lavish film adaptation of Hardy's "The Woodlanders".

The New Yorker

**As discussed above, filling the void created by Fletcher's departure will be an arduous assignment.

Los Angeles Times

I must step in here and applaud Professor Rouillon for his courage in taking on such an arduous assignment.

Huffington Post

Not too arduous an assignment, admittedly, but there is a catch.

The Guardian - Travel

All through their arduous battle-zone assignments -- even as they witness so many men damaged beyond retrieval -- the sisters continue to agonize over their respective solutions to their mother's pre-War terminal-cancer sufferings.

Huffington Post

That was the case with Anthony Shadid, who died tragically yesterday, of a severe asthma attack, at the end of an arduous and dangerous assignment behind rebel lines inside Syria.

The New Yorker

Not so with sanitation workers, though theirs is an arduous and potentially hazardous assignment, day in and day out.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, one of the roles for which he was most proud was a low-budget assignment: the arduous – and politically precarious – challenge of playing the title role in Jinnah (1998).

The Guardian - Film

The low signal-to-noise ratio of the 3D HNCACB spectrum (in particular for peaks corresponding to interresidue HN−N−Cβ correlations) combined with peak overlap made the assignment process arduous.

Biochemistry

The process involved assignments and the arduous task of reviewing more than 18 terabytes of submitted digital video.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arduous assignments", ensure the context clearly indicates the tasks are difficult and require significant effort. This phrase is best suited for situations where the demanding nature of the assignments is a key point.

Common error

Avoid using "arduous assignments" for tasks that are merely routine or moderately challenging. This phrase implies a significant level of difficulty and effort; using it inappropriately can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arduous assignments" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "arduous" modifies the noun "assignments". It describes the assignments, indicating they are difficult and require significant effort, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arduous assignments" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe tasks that are exceptionally difficult and require substantial effort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not extremely common, it appears consistently in news media and professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the assignments truly warrant the descriptor "arduous" to avoid overstating the difficulty. Alternatives such as ""challenging tasks"" or ""demanding responsibilities"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging tasks

Replaces "arduous" with "challenging", focusing on the demanding aspect.

difficult undertakings

Substitutes both words with near synonyms emphasizing the problematic nature.

demanding responsibilities

Emphasizes the high level of effort required.

grueling duties

Highlights the exhausting nature of the assignments.

taxing projects

Focuses on the mental or physical strain the projects cause.

laborious tasks

Highlights the effort and time required.

formidable duties

Highlights the intimidating or overwhelming nature.

complex responsibilities

Emphasizes the intricate and complicated nature of the assignments.

strenuous projects

Focuses on the physically demanding nature.

tough challenges

Uses more general terms to describe the assignments.

FAQs

How can I use "arduous assignments" in a sentence?

You can use "arduous assignments" to describe tasks that are very difficult and demand considerable effort, for example, "The students were overwhelmed by the number of "arduous assignments" given by their professors this semester".

What are some alternatives to "arduous assignments"?

Alternatives include "challenging tasks", "difficult undertakings", or "demanding responsibilities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "arduous assignments" in a formal context?

Yes, "arduous assignments" is suitable for formal contexts, particularly when describing projects or tasks that require significant effort and dedication. Its formality is considered neutral to professional.

What makes an assignment "arduous"?

An assignment is considered "arduous" if it is exceptionally difficult, requires sustained effort, and presents significant challenges in its completion. It's more than just difficult; it's a test of endurance and skill.