exertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to physical or mental effort put into an activity or task. Example: "After a long day of exertion at the gym, I felt both exhausted and accomplished."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If not, then I didn't do the cartwheel freely; if so, then we will find ourselves having to ask about the efficient cause of the exertion to exert my power to exert.

SEP

And, therefore, we can ask if I am the efficient cause of my exertion to exert myself to do the cartwheel.

SEP

Yet football has been shown in studies to have the lowest rate of "perceived exertion" – a mere 3.9 out of 10 – lower than jogging and fitness training.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I don't turn up late, I don't take hour-long coffee breaks, I don't cherry-pick by only taking the notes for patients I know I can manage with a minimum of mental exertion.

The Guardian

Any lower (as when sleeping) or higher (during physical exertion, say) and the piezoelectric elements did not produce enough oomph.

The Economist

Never before has the global economy benefited from such an addition of extra human exertion.

The Economist

To put a good idea effectively and profitably into practice generally requires managerial experience and the exertion of authority.

The Economist

For the first term of Haas's 19-month programme, one student took the 11-and-a-half hour flight from Shanghai to San Francisco to attend classes, an exertion for even the most eager and efficient traveller.

The Economist

Some critics are bothered by the absence of physical exertion, but that never held back chess.E-sports can be a boom-and-bust business, says Mr diGiovanni, with fans' interest waxing as a big new game is released and then waning again; and it is definitely for the cognoscenti.

The Economist

Hunting an animal may be tiresome but necessary, so endorphins are secreted during exertion to numb the discomfort induced by lactic acid production in the muscles.

The Economist

Unsurprisingly, for those whose jobs require a bit of physical exertion, the effect no longer holds.So why do long hours result in weight gain?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing effort that involves both mental and physical components, "exertion" is a suitable term. For example, say "The project required significant mental and physical exertion".

Common error

Avoid using "exertion" when you mean "exhaustion". "Exertion" refers to the act of applying effort, while "exhaustion" is the state of being depleted of energy. For example, "After the marathon, I felt exhaustion, not exertion."

Linguistic Context

Exertion functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act of applying effort or force, whether physical or mental. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing expenditure of effort. Examples show it modifying physical activities such as "physical exertion" or "military exertion."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exertion" is a noun that describes the application of effort, whether physical or mental. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable in written English, often appearing in contexts related to science, news, and encyclopedic content. Its usage frequency is very common, as it effectively conveys the degree of effort involved in various activities. Avoid confusing it with "exhaustion", and consider synonyms like "effort" or "strain" depending on the intended nuance. By following the best practices, you can effectively incorporate the word "exertion" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical effort

Focuses specifically on the physical aspect of effort, unlike "exertion" which can be mental or physical.

mental effort

Highlights the cognitive aspect of effort, in contrast to "exertion" which encompasses all types of effort.

physical strain

Implies a forceful or intense physical effort that might lead to injury or fatigue.

hard work

Refers to sustained effort over time, usually in an occupational context.

application of energy

Emphasizes the use of power or vitality in a particular activity.

vigorous activity

Highlights an energetic or intense activity that involves considerable physical or mental effort.

strenuous activity

Emphasizes the demanding and tiring nature of the activity.

arduous task

Highlights the difficulty and labor-intensive nature of the task, not just the effort.

demanding activity

Indicates that the activity requires a significant amount of effort and may be challenging.

laborious undertaking

Suggests a project or task that requires extensive effort and hard work over a period of time.

FAQs

How is "exertion" used in a sentence?

The word "exertion" is used to describe the act of applying effort or force. For example: "Climbing the mountain required a great deal of physical exertion." Ludwig's examples provide further insight.

What are some synonyms for "exertion"?

Synonyms for "exertion" include "effort", "strain", and "travail". The most appropriate synonym will depend on the specific context.

Is "exertion" formal or informal?

"Exertion" is a relatively neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in formal writing and speech.

What's the difference between "exertion" and "exercise"?

"Exertion" refers to the act of applying effort, whereas "exercise" is a specific type of activity performed to improve health or fitness. You can use exertion during exercise, but exertion itself is not a form of exercise.