difficult and time-consuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult and time-consuming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or process that requires significant effort and takes a long time to complete. Example: "The project was challenging, as it was both difficult and time-consuming to gather all the necessary data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

That was the most difficult and time-consuming job.

The New York Times - Science

Downside: notoriously difficult and time-consuming to learn the rules.

The Guardian - Tech

Examining them is an intensive, difficult and time-consuming process.

The New York Times

This may make it difficult and time-consuming to acquire local planning permission.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, it can be difficult and time-consuming for citizens to obtain and interpret this information.

The Guardian

That is how difficult and time-consuming everything was back then!

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Making arrests, filing charges and securing convictions are more difficult and time consuming.

The New York Times

Buying gifts is difficult and time consuming.

TechCrunch

GO purification with traditional methods is difficult and time consuming.

Diamond and Related Materials

Extracting meaningful information is difficult and time consuming.

Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis

However, identifying potential enhancers is difficult and time consuming.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult and time-consuming", consider specifying why a task is both difficult and time-consuming for greater clarity. For example, "The data analysis was difficult and time-consuming due to the complexity of the algorithms and the large dataset."

Common error

While "difficult and time-consuming" is accurate, avoid overuse by varying your language. Synonyms like "challenging and protracted" or using more specific descriptions can enhance your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult and time-consuming" functions as a compound adjective. It modifies a noun to describe something that possesses both the characteristic of being difficult and requiring a significant amount of time. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult and time-consuming" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe tasks that demand both significant effort and a considerable amount of time. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use across various domains, including News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, consider providing context to why the task is both difficult and time-consuming, and be mindful of potential overuse by exploring synonyms like "challenging and protracted". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate the complexities of a task while avoiding common pitfalls in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous and lengthy

Emphasizes the demanding nature and extended duration.

challenging and protracted

Highlights the difficulty and prolonged nature.

laborious and drawn-out

Focuses on the effort required and the extended period.

complex and lengthy

Stresses the intricacy and the duration involved.

complicated and protracted

Highlights the intricacy and the prolonged nature.

demanding and lengthy

Emphasizes the high requirements and the long duration.

tedious and lengthy

Highlights the monotonous nature and extended duration.

grueling and lengthy

Focuses on the exhausting nature and extended duration.

tiresome and lengthy

Emphasizes the wearisome nature and long duration.

awkward and lengthy

Highlights the uneasy nature and the prolonged duration.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult and time-consuming" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult and time-consuming" to describe a task that requires significant effort and a long time to complete. For example, "The research project was both difficult and time-consuming because of the complex data analysis required."

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult and time-consuming"?

You can use alternatives like "arduous and lengthy", "challenging and protracted", or "laborious and drawn-out" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say something is both "difficult and time-consuming"?

While the concepts can overlap, the phrase is not necessarily redundant. "Difficult" refers to the complexity or skill required, while "time-consuming" refers to the duration needed. A task can be one without the other, or both.

What makes something "difficult and time-consuming"?

Factors contributing to a task being "difficult and time-consuming" might include complex procedures, large volumes of data, the need for specialized skills, or the requirement for meticulous attention to detail.