arduous undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arduous undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is very difficult and requires a lot of effort and perseverance. Example: "Climbing Mount Everest is an arduous undertaking that demands both physical and mental strength."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Stanford argues, however, it would have been a less arduous undertaking than might be expected.

The Guardian

As with all of Wright's work, it has been a long and arduous undertaking.

The Guardian - Arts

Jason Wood: Given its location, Far North must have been an arduous undertaking.

The Guardian - Film

It can be assumed that they were put to work on the tobacco harvest, an arduous undertaking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, finding the veterans in their camps is an arduous undertaking, requiring hours of trekking through the jungle.

The New York Times

Separating the wheat from the chaff in fantasy football can be an arduous undertaking, particularly when rookies are involved.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The Irish light-bellied Brent goose's 9,000-mile 9,000-mileroute is one of the migrationous underouten by any bisd.

The Guardian

Add to that the approval required for alterations, and you have an arduous, expensive undertaking.

Forbes

The riveting documentary The Man Who Skied Down Everest (1975) trails champion Japanese skier Yuichiro Miura and his team as they ascend the world's highest peak -- an arduous, perilous undertaking in itself, ultimately hoping to descend on skis -- a virtual suicide mission.

Huffington Post

Instead of an arduous activity undertaken by determined scholars, visiting the digital Bodleian is a pleasant browse through the virtual past that all of us can undertake.

The Guardian - Books

Travel to and in the park in those early years was arduous and undertaken by only a small number of hardy adventurers each year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arduous undertaking" when you want to emphasize not only the difficulty of a task, but also the commitment and effort required to see it through. It conveys a sense of seriousness and dedication.

Common error

Avoid using "arduous undertaking" to describe tasks that are only mildly challenging. The phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely involve significant difficulty and effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arduous undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where 'arduous' modifies 'undertaking'. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature. It commonly acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a difficult task or endeavor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arduous undertaking" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a task or project requiring significant effort and perseverance. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's most frequently used in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it effectively conveys the magnitude of a challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is readily understood and applicable when you wish to highlight the commitment needed for a particularly demanding endeavor. Be mindful not to overuse it in contexts that don't warrant such emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging endeavor

Replaces 'arduous' with 'challenging' and 'undertaking' with 'endeavor', both suggesting difficulty, but perhaps with a slightly less intense connotation.

difficult task

A more straightforward synonym, focusing on the difficulty of the task at hand.

laborious project

Emphasizes the effort and labor involved.

strenuous effort

Highlights the energy and exertion required.

demanding activity

Focuses on the high demands placed on the individual or team.

tough assignment

Implies a task that is not easy to complete successfully.

formidable challenge

Suggests that the task is intimidating and difficult to overcome.

onerous responsibility

Highlights the burden and weight associated with the task.

complex operation

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the undertaking.

Herculean task

References the mythical hero Hercules to imply extreme difficulty and effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "arduous undertaking" to describe a challenging project or task that requires significant effort. For example: "Completing this research paper was an "arduous undertaking"."

What are some alternatives to "arduous undertaking"?

Some alternatives include "challenging endeavor", "difficult task", or "laborious project". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "arduous undertaking"?

It is appropriate to use "arduous undertaking" when describing a task or project that is genuinely difficult and requires a sustained effort over a significant period. It's best used when you want to emphasize the magnitude of the challenge.

What makes "arduous undertaking" different from "difficult task"?

"Arduous undertaking" implies a more prolonged and demanding effort than "difficult task". "Arduous" suggests a tiring and strenuous process, while "undertaking" suggests a project or endeavor of some scope. A "difficult task" might be a single, challenging activity, while an "arduous undertaking" is a complex and prolonged challenge.