arduous contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arduous contest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or difficult competition or struggle, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The marathon was an arduous contest that tested the limits of every participant's endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Murray's attempt to become the first British winner at SW19 since Perry in 1936 remains intact although having previously not dropped a set, his recovery from an arduous contest will be vital if he is to go on and lift the trophy.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

— far more arduous.

The New York Times

The conditions were arduous.

Independent

"But it is arduous".

The New York Times

Economists 12. Arduous 13.

The New York Times

That proved arduous.

The New York Times

Oh, nothing too arduous.

The Guardian - Film

Well, not that arduous.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Second, clinical trials are arduous.

The Economist

Overland crossings were arduous.

The New York Times

Touring is arduous.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arduous contest", ensure the context clearly indicates a competition or struggle that is exceptionally difficult and requires significant effort. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the demanding nature of an event or challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "arduous contest" to describe commonplace or moderately challenging situations. This phrase implies a severe level of difficulty; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact or sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arduous contest" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying the noun "contest" with the adjective "arduous". The phrase highlights the difficult and challenging nature of the competition. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arduous contest" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is used to describe a competition that is exceptionally difficult and requires significant effort. While "arduous contest" is not a particularly common phrase, it is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts, such as news reports and sports commentary, particularly in sources like The Guardian. Alternatives include "grueling competition" and "demanding challenge". When using "arduous contest", ensure that the context accurately reflects a high level of difficulty to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strenuous competition

Uses "strenuous" instead of "arduous", emphasizing the effort and energy required.

rigorous competition

Replaces "arduous" with "rigorous", stressing the strictness and thoroughness involved in the competition.

grueling competition

Replaces "arduous" with "grueling", emphasizing the physically and mentally exhausting nature of the competition.

formidable challenge

Uses "formidable" to describe the challenge, emphasizing its imposing and daunting nature.

demanding challenge

Substitutes "contest" with "challenge" and "arduous" with "demanding", focusing on the difficulty and requirements of the task.

taxing struggle

Replaces "contest" with "struggle" and "arduous" with "taxing", underlining the depleting effect of the competition.

testing ordeal

Substitutes "contest" with "ordeal" and "arduous" with "testing", focusing on the difficult and potentially painful experience.

tough battle

Replaces "contest" with "battle", highlighting the competitive and potentially confrontational aspect of the situation, while "tough" underscores the difficulty.

severe trial

Replaces "contest" with "trial" and "arduous" with "severe", suggesting a harsh and difficult test.

backbreaking competition

Emphasizes the physically exhausting aspect of the competition using "backbreaking".

FAQs

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

You can use "arduous contest" to describe a competition or challenge that is exceptionally difficult and requires significant effort. For example, "The marathon was an "arduous contest" that tested the limits of every participant's endurance."

What are some alternatives to "arduous contest"?

Some alternatives to "arduous contest" include "grueling competition", "demanding challenge", or "tough battle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "arduous contest" formal or informal?

"Arduous contest" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for news reports, sports commentary, and formal writing. It is less common in casual conversation.

What makes a "contest" considered "arduous"?

A "contest" is considered "arduous" when it involves significant difficulty, requiring sustained effort, endurance, and resilience from the participants. The challenges are often physically or mentally taxing.