demanding spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demanding spell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something requires a significant amount of effort or concentration, often in relation to a task or activity that is challenging. Example: "The demanding spell of studying for finals left her exhausted but determined to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Forbes

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will Bush lash back in a debate by demanding he spell it?

The New York Times - Magazine

Does the emergence of new technology and home services on-demand spell doom for assisted living?

Forbes

The prime minister, Tony Abbott, has repeatedly criticised Labor for blocking budget cuts and demanded it spell out alternatives.

The Guardian

U.S. lawmakers from both parties on Friday backed Trump's action but demanded he spell out a broader strategy for dealing with the conflict and consult with Congress on any further action.

Huffington Post

The demands, spelled out with specific changes to the constitution, would vastly diminish the power of the ruling family.Reaching agreement required compromise.

The Economist

"A large country with dispersed populations, plentiful sun and falling electricity demand spells the perfect storm for Australian utilities," the report said.

The Guardian

Those demands, spelled out by the prince at a summit meeting here of Arab states, were Israel's withdrawal from all occupied territories; creation of a Palestinian state, with its capital in Jerusalem; and the return of Palestinian refugees.

The New York Times

Pedreira lost her job, her lawsuit claims, not on the basis of her performance but because Baptist Homes determined that she violated the demand (spelled out explicitly in its employment forms) that employees "exhibit values in their professional conduct and personal lifestyles that are consistent with the Christian mission and purpose of the institution".

The New York Times - Magazine

The key message: Too much supply, not enough demand, spells falling returns on investments.

Huffington Post

She demanded the spelling of my name, as though she were prepared to check it against the register.

Los Angeles Times

For months now the European Union has been demanding that Theresa May spells out what kind of relationship Britain wants with the bloc after Brexit.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demanding spell" to describe a specific, limited period that requires considerable effort and focus. It's particularly effective when highlighting a temporary but intense situation.

Common error

Avoid using "demanding spell" to describe ongoing or permanent situations. The phrase implies a temporary, albeit challenging, period. For continuous situations, consider alternatives like "challenging circumstances" or "difficult environment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demanding spell" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "demanding" modifies "spell". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically describes a period requiring significant effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demanding spell" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, although it appears infrequently in contemporary text. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for describing a period requiring significant effort and concentration. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overusing it for continuous situations, instead opting for alternatives like "challenging circumstances". Considering its neutral register, it fits well in news and general writing. To enhance your writing, be mindful of the subtle difference between the phrase "demanding spell" and alternatives such as "difficult time" or "arduous task".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous task

Replaces the noun "spell" with "task", focusing on the effort required.

challenging period

Substitutes both the adjective and noun to emphasize the difficulty of a time frame.

strenuous time

Emphasizes the energy and effort involved in a particular time.

taxing interval

Highlights the draining nature of a specific period.

grueling stretch

Focuses on the exhausting and prolonged nature of a certain duration.

difficult phase

Replaces "spell" with "phase", indicating a stage of hardship.

tough stint

Suggests a limited period of hard work or difficulty.

rigorous phase

Emphasizes the strictness and demand of a particular phase.

laborious period

Highlights the hard work and effort involved during the spell.

exacting time

Focuses on the precise and demanding nature of a certain timeframe.

FAQs

How can I use "demanding spell" in a sentence?

You can use "demanding spell" to describe a temporary period requiring significant effort, such as "The graduate program was a "demanding spell" in her life".

What can I say instead of "demanding spell"?

You can use alternatives like "arduous task", "challenging period", or "strenuous time" depending on the specific context.

Is "demanding spell" formal or informal?

"Demanding spell" leans towards a neutral register, suitable for news and general writing. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "rigorous phase" or "exacting time".

What's the difference between "demanding spell" and "difficult time"?

"Demanding spell" specifically implies a period requiring significant effort and concentration, while "difficult time" is a broader term that encompasses any period of hardship, not necessarily involving intense effort.