can be laborious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be laborious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or process that requires a lot of effort and time to complete. Example: "The process of data entry can be laborious, especially when dealing with large volumes of information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

That can be laborious".

The New York Times - Magazine

"And you need to be methodical – some of the examinations can be laborious and time consuming.

The Guardian - Money

** "Legends" patiently details the labor of espionage; in turn, the reading of it can be laborious.

The New Yorker

"Legends" patiently details the labor of espionage; in turn, the reading of it can be laborious.

The New Yorker

Richard Shiff says in the current Tate catalogue that Riley's work "can be laborious to write about".

The Guardian

But thinking, like common sense, can be laborious: it may lead to looking at both sides of questions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Often that means looking at details of the care individual patients received, and it can be a laborious process.

The Guardian

A "Hail Mary" approach may work for a select few, but for others it can be a laborious exercise that may not even bear fruit.

The Guardian

When you want to sell a used good, figuring out how much to sell it for can be a laborious process involving checking multiple sites and sources online.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, acquisition of adsorption isotherm can be very laborious.

Microchemical Journal

Finding clothes that are the right fit can be a laborious, psychologically challenging experience.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task as "can be laborious", be specific about what makes it so. Is it the time required, the complexity, or the physical effort? Providing context helps the reader understand the true scope of the task.

Common error

Avoid using "can be laborious" as a generic descriptor. Instead of simply stating something is laborious, explain why it's laborious. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be laborious" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a task, process, or activity that requires considerable effort and time. Ludwig AI validates this usage with multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be laborious" is a versatile phrase used to describe tasks that demand considerable effort and time. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in varied sources, from news and media to scientific publications. When using "can be laborious", it's best to provide context to clarify what specifically makes the task demanding. Alternatives such as ""can be challenging"" or ""can be time consuming"" can be used for variety, but "can be laborious" remains a clear and effective choice. Ludwig AI provides examples of the expression being used across several contexts, affirming its correctness and wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be arduous

Highlights the strenuous and tiring nature of the task.

can be toilsome

Emphasizes the labor and effort required.

can be demanding

Focuses on the high level of effort or skill required, suggesting difficulty.

can be challenging

Emphasizes the difficulty and the need for problem-solving skills.

can be grueling

Indicates a physically or mentally exhausting process.

can be time-consuming

Focuses specifically on the extensive time required to complete the task.

can be exacting

Stresses the need for precision and attention to detail.

can be tiresome

Highlights the weariness and tedium involved.

can be strenuous

Highlights the physical exertion required.

can be burdensome

Suggests the task is heavy and difficult to bear.

FAQs

How can I use "can be laborious" in a sentence?

You can use "can be laborious" to describe tasks or processes that require significant effort or time. For example, "Data entry "can be laborious", especially with large datasets."

What can I say instead of "can be laborious"?

Alternatives include "can be demanding", "can be challenging", or "can be time consuming" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "can be laborious" or "is laborious"?

"Can be laborious" suggests that a task is not always difficult, but has the potential to be. "Is laborious" implies that the task is inherently difficult in all circumstances.

What makes a task "can be laborious" instead of simply "difficult"?

A task that "can be laborious" typically requires sustained effort and attention to detail over a long period. While all laborious tasks are difficult, not all difficult tasks require sustained effort over time. "Challenging" might be difficult, but "can be laborious" implies sustained difficulty.