arduous journey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arduous journey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging experience, often in a metaphorical sense, such as a personal struggle or a long, tiring trip. Example: "The team faced an arduous journey as they worked tirelessly to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is an arduous journey.

The New York Times - Science

"It had been such a long, arduous journey," he said.

The New York Times

The victims were mainly the old and infirm, unable to undertake the arduous journey to safety.

Independent

In July 1586 Catherine undertook the arduous journey to see him at Saint-Brice near Cognac.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was an arduous journey for the character, and for Emily.

The Guardian - Film

It will be a long and arduous journey, and many before him have fallen.

The Guardian - Music

When the prisoners had the all-clear, they began the arduous journey toward the northwest.

The New York Times

It has asked voters to collect them instead, which for many will necessitate an arduous journey.

The Guardian

The beauty of our site was some consolation for the arduous journey.

The New York Times - Travel

With her mother, she made the arduous journey from revolutionary Russia to Americain 1916.

The New York Times

The column began its arduous journey in July but never reached its objective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arduous journey" to vividly describe a challenging experience, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "the arduous journey to recovery" or "the arduous journey of starting a business".

Common error

Avoid using "arduous journey" when a simpler term like "difficult trip" or "tough time" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arduous journey" functions as a noun phrase, where "arduous" modifies the noun "journey". It describes the quality or characteristic of the journey, emphasizing its difficulty and requiring significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arduous journey" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the difficulty and effort involved in a trip or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and professional communications. While synonyms like "strenuous journey" or "difficult journey" exist, "arduous journey" provides a slightly more vivid and formal description. When writing, it's best to avoid overusing the phrase in simple situations where a less intense term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strenuous journey

Emphasizes the effort and energy required; slightly more focused on physical exertion.

difficult journey

A more general term for a journey presenting challenges or obstacles.

challenging trek

Implies a physically demanding journey, often on foot.

grueling expedition

Highlights the exhausting and prolonged nature of the journey.

taxing pilgrimage

Suggests a journey that is both physically and emotionally demanding, often with a spiritual aspect.

tiresome voyage

Focuses on the weariness and monotony of the journey.

demanding quest

Implies a long and difficult search for something specific.

laborious trek

Highlights the amount of hard work involved.

backbreaking trek

Emphasizes the strenuous physical demands.

long hard slog

An informal term for a prolonged period of difficult effort or progress.

FAQs

What does "arduous journey" mean?

The phrase "arduous journey" refers to a trip or process that is difficult, tiring, and requires considerable effort and endurance. It can apply to both physical travel and metaphorical challenges.

What can I say instead of "arduous journey"?

You can use alternatives like "strenuous journey", "difficult journey", or "challenging trek" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an arduous journey" or "a arduous journey"?

It is correct to say "an arduous journey". The word "arduous" begins with a vowel sound, so it requires the indefinite article "an".

How can "arduous journey" be used metaphorically?

"Arduous journey" can describe challenging life experiences that require dedication and perseverance. For example, you might refer to "the arduous journey of overcoming addiction" or "the arduous journey of writing a novel".