arduous labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arduous labor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe work that is physically or mentally demanding and requires significant effort. Example: "The construction workers faced arduous labor under the scorching sun, but they persevered to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was the deliberate and arduous labor of years.

The New Yorker

White convicts were leased out as well, but often for less arduous labor.

The New York Times - Books

Peasants working on irrigation projects fared no better: they were "treated as slaves," Yang writes, "and hunger exacerbated by arduous labor caused many to die".

The New Yorker

Once he became inured to the fleas and the arduous labor, Xinhua said, Mr. Xi helped transform the villagers' lives by organizing a cooperative for blacksmiths and building a methane collection tank.

The New York Times

Of centuries of arduous labor tending vineyards on precipitous slopes, and of native sons and daughters who depart looking for an easier life, only to be drawn back to claim their stewardship of the vines?

The New York Times - Food

The convicts are managed by CalFire crew leaders and generally do much of the arduous labor involved in cutting fire lines by hand.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In general, the book has the chatty tone of a magazine profile, perhaps because it is difficult to write with any degree of analytical honesty about an artist who is still alive and capable of responding to your arduous labors with ­either a dinner invitation or a death threat.

The New York Times - Books

When I discussed it not long ago with a friend who monitors élite politics closely, he said, "Bo could end up with a long sentence, though it won't be physically arduous or hard labor.

The New Yorker

In a year of unremitting labor, Democrats now turn toward the final phase of their most arduous task of all.

The New York Times

Q Was this an arduous task?

The New York Times

Miniature painting is an arduous and labor-intensive tradition, one that demands nothing short of what she calls submission to the form.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To highlight the intensity and prolonged duration of the work, consider using "arduous labor" to emphasize the commitment required.

Common error

Avoid using "arduous labor" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "hard work" or "tough job" are more appropriate for these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arduous labor" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "arduous" modifies "labor", indicating the demanding and difficult nature of the work. It describes work that requires significant effort and endurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for formal and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arduous labor" is a phrase used to describe work that is exceptionally demanding, requiring significant and sustained effort. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal contexts, such as news, academic or professional writing. While not overly common, it effectively conveys the difficulty and intensity of the work involved. For less formal situations, alternative phrases like "strenuous work" or "difficult work" might be more suitable. Recognizing its formality and using it appropriately will ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strenuous work

This alternative emphasizes the physical exertion required.

demanding work

This option highlights the high requirements and effort needed.

taxing work

This variant underscores the depleting nature of the labor.

difficult work

This term focuses on the complexity and challenges involved.

heavy lifting

This option is a more informal way to describe physically intense labor.

grueling work

This phrase stresses the exhausting and relentless aspect of the labor.

backbreaking work

This alternative highlights the physically damaging potential of the work.

toilsome work

This variant emphasizes the wearisome and laborious nature.

onerous task

This option shifts the focus to the burdensome quality of the task.

laborious effort

This term emphasizes the considerable effort and time required.

FAQs

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

You can use "arduous labor" to describe tasks that require significant effort and endurance. For example: "The construction of the bridge involved "arduous labor" under challenging conditions."

What are some alternatives to "arduous labor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "strenuous work", "demanding work", or "difficult work". Each conveys a similar sense of challenging effort.

Is "arduous labor" a formal or informal phrase?

"Arduous labor" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "hard work" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "arduous labor" from "hard labor"?

"Arduous labor" emphasizes the prolonged effort and difficulty, while "hard labor" typically refers to physically demanding work, often as a form of punishment or intense manual work. While similar, "arduous labor" carries a slightly broader connotation of sustained difficulty.