arduous business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arduous business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or activity that is difficult and requires a lot of effort or hard work. Example: "Starting a new company can be an arduous business, filled with challenges and obstacles that require perseverance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Coming Up Physics An Arduous Business Trip Not everyone has a 50-foot-wide electromagnet to spare.

The New York Times - Science

In the rare moments when I wasn't engaged in the arduous business of staying alive in the wilderness, I read.

The Guardian - Travel

Term paper writing is an arduous business, we need to remember, and we shouldn't expect too much.

The New York Times

A TESTY flick of a black-tipped tail and the lion shows itself, resting in a sandy-brown thicket after the arduous business of mating.

The Economist

It sustained him even through the arduous business of rewriting "This Side of Paradise", changing it, at his publisher's advice from the first to the third person.

The New Yorker

Changing the Constitution is an arduous business, involving the approval of three-fourths of the upper house and two-thirds of the lower house of Parliament.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Kelner, who appointed Alton, has "the much much much more arduous job of running the business side of things".

The Guardian

That change has been arduous for business, but very salutary.

The Economist

In sum, the book was an accounting for taste — and taste, Professor Dutton argued, could be accounted for by looking at the inborn faculties that aided our distant forebears in the arduous prehistoric business of survival.

The New York Times - Arts

(Or, to put the question more bluntly, Why, even if we don't know a lot about art, do we instinctively know what we like?) In sum, the book was an accounting for taste — and taste, Professor Dutton argued, could be accounted for by looking at the inborn faculties that aided our distant forebears in the arduous prehistoric business of survival.

The New York Times - Arts

Sitting in a booth the other day, he described a tyranny of taxes and codes that has made doing business arduous and, with requisite bribes, expensive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arduous business", consider the context and ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the level of difficulty and effort involved. It's best suited for situations that are genuinely challenging and require significant perseverance.

Common error

Avoid using "arduous business" to describe tasks that are merely routine or slightly inconvenient. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arduous business" functions primarily as an adjective-noun construction, where "arduous" modifies "business". It serves to describe the nature of a business or undertaking, emphasizing its demanding and challenging characteristics. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arduous business" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe undertakings that are challenging and require significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not the most common expression, it effectively conveys a sense of difficulty and is suitable for professional and news contexts. Consider alternatives like "challenging endeavor" or "difficult undertaking" to subtly adjust the tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its strong connotation to avoid exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging endeavor

Replaces "arduous" with "challenging" and "business" with "endeavor", softening the tone slightly.

difficult undertaking

Uses more common synonyms for both words, making the phrase more accessible.

laborious task

Focuses on the effort and labor involved, emphasizing the physical aspect.

demanding activity

Highlights the high requirements and expectations of the activity.

grueling process

Emphasizes the exhausting and prolonged nature of the process.

taxing operation

Implies a strain on resources and energy.

strenuous effort

Focuses on the vigorous exertion required.

formidable assignment

Highlights the difficulty and potential for failure.

complex undertaking

Emphasizes the many interconnected parts and considerations.

tiresome chore

Suggests a lack of enjoyment and a desire to be finished.

FAQs

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

You can use "arduous business" to describe a task or undertaking that is difficult and requires a lot of effort. For example, "Navigating the legal system can be an "arduous business"."

What are some alternatives to "arduous business"?

Some alternatives to "arduous business" include "challenging endeavor", "difficult undertaking", or "laborious task".

Is "arduous business" formal or informal?

"Arduous business" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional and academic contexts. Less formal alternatives exist if needed.

Which is correct: "arduous business" or "arduous task"?

Both "arduous business" and "arduous task" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Arduous business" typically refers to a more complex or ongoing undertaking, while "arduous task" can refer to a single, difficult assignment.