arduous decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arduous decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a choice or decision that is difficult and requires a lot of effort or thought to make. Example: "After much deliberation, I finally came to the conclusion that it was time to make the arduous decision to relocate for my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As the supervising judge in Bronx Family Court, Judge Clark V. Richardson spends most days presiding over one arduous decision after another -- when to sever a mother's legal ties to her child, when to throw a teenage troublemaker behind bars.

The New York Times

A sad day for democracy and an arduous decision for all.

BBC

Let me say that I work for the government, however, had I worked in corporate America it would have been a more arduous decision to make.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sardarbergian, who recently earned his law degree, made the decision, an arduous one by his account, to step down from the position he'd held for the last three seasons roughly a month ago.

Los Angeles Times

Some NATO allies are sharing the cost of new C-17 military transporters but such examples of pooling are few and far between.Jointly developing weapons carries considerable costs: decisions are arduous and work has to be shared out.

The Economist

Testing the impact of taxes on company financing decisions is arduous and open to criticism.

SERIEs

The unanimous verdict has been a source of controversy, with many believing Clay was given a gift decision after 10 arduous rounds.

The Guardian - Sport

The construction of multi-attribute utility functions, except in their simplest form, is an arduous process in which few decision makers are willing to participate.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

So he grudgingly accepted the decision and began the arduous, and occasionally heartburn-producing, process of putting on weight.

The New York Times - Sports

The unemployed, agricultural workers and those working 'off the books' are forced to make the impossible decision of completing an arduous treatment regime, or providing for their family.

The Guardian

After undergoing arduous environmental reviews but before any decisions had been handed down, the developer also jettisoned plans for two other golf courses, in Yorktown and Putnam Valley.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arduous decision" when you want to emphasize the effort, difficulty, and potential stress involved in making a choice. It's suitable for situations where the decision has significant consequences.

Common error

While "arduous decision" is appropriate in formal contexts, avoid using it in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "tough choice" or "difficult decision" may be more suitable for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arduous decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "arduous" modifies the noun "decision". It describes a specific type of decision characterized by difficulty and requiring significant effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arduous decision" denotes a difficult and effortful choice, often with significant implications. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically sound but relatively rare, typically appearing in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "tough decision" or "difficult choice" are more common, "arduous decision" adds formality and highlights the demanding nature of the decision-making process. Using "arduous decision" is most appropriate in formal settings where emphasizing the challenge and effort involved is desirable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough decision

Focuses on the difficulty of the decision but is more concise.

difficult choice

Replaces "decision" with "choice", maintaining the core meaning.

challenging decision

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the decision.

onerous decision

Highlights the burdensome aspect of the decision.

grueling decision

Suggests the decision-making process is exhausting.

taxing decision

Implies the decision requires significant effort and resources.

formidable decision

Highlights the imposing or daunting nature of the decision.

laborious decision

Focuses on the extensive effort required to reach the decision.

demanding decision

Emphasizes the high requirements and expectations associated with the decision.

complex decision

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the decision.

FAQs

What does "arduous decision" mean?

An "arduous decision" is a choice that is difficult and requires a lot of effort or thought to make. It often implies that the decision has significant consequences or involves complex considerations.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "arduous decision"?

Use "arduous decision" in formal or serious contexts where you want to emphasize the challenging nature of the decision-making process. It's fitting for situations involving weighty matters.

What are some alternatives to "arduous decision"?

You can use alternatives like "tough decision", "difficult choice", or "challenging decision" depending on the context.

Is "arduous decision" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "arduous decision" is less common than simpler alternatives. Its use adds a layer of formality and emphasis to the difficulty of the choice.