gruelling experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The part "gruelling experience" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a difficult experience that requires a lot of effort or endurance, usually with an unpleasant outcome. For example: It was a gruelling experience, but she was determined to finish the race.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Personally I found this a bruising, gruelling experience and yet the film has stayed with me.

The Guardian - Film

In the Guardian's first review of the film, Xan Brooks described it as "a bruising, gruelling experience" that "bludgeons the body and tenderises the soul.

The Guardian - Film

A gruelling experience, then.

The Economist

The interview can be a gruelling experience, as Madonna can testify: she once got turned down.

The Economist

Such interventions are likely to prove a gruelling experience for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).

The Guardian

Port Elizabeth is home to Africa's only ironman triathlon, with this route offering a gruelling experience.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Intimacy and La Vie de Jésus are no less alive to the way in which it's possible to read a character's life through their sexual behaviour, but they are gruelling experiences: Chéreau and Dumont betray no interest in producing titters from the back row.

The Guardian - Film

Exams, dissertations and the overbearing knowledge that how you perform may well affect your future prosperity, happiness, and well-being, all combine to create one of the most stressful and mentally gruelling experiences of your life.

The Guardian - Money

Three of the six selection stages were conducted by children and young people - the most gruelling experiences of his 31 years in public service, he says - and he remains resolute that everyone who works with him should undergo the same process and that children should be embedded in everything the commission does.

The Guardian

And, to be honest, there's a kind of wounded bravery about the fact that Steve, and Eileen, for better or worse – after the beating they took in and around X Factor, and the impact it had on their lives, and the fact, as proved here, that you cannot separate him from the show, and that whenever he tries to talk about his gruelling experiences he ends up sounding bitter – just keep on trying.

The Guardian - Music

Almost all of them went through gruelling experiences before they reached the summits of success.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gruelling experience" to describe situations where not only physical strength is tested, but also mental and emotional resilience are significantly challenged.

Common error

Avoid using "gruelling experience" in overly casual or informal settings where a simpler term like "tough time" would suffice. Overusing it can sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gruelling experience" functions as a noun phrase, where "gruelling" modifies "experience". It describes a type of experience characterized by its difficulty and demanding nature. Ludwig examples show its use in describing various challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gruelling experience" effectively conveys the demanding and difficult nature of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common use in describing challenging events or periods. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, as overuse in casual settings might sound melodramatic. Consider alternatives like "exhausting ordeal" or "arduous undertaking" to add nuance. Remember that "gruelling experience" can be used to refer a situation where not only physical strength is tested, but also mental and emotional resilience are significantly challenged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhausting ordeal

Emphasizes the wearing and energy-depleting nature of the experience.

draining trial

Highlights the depleting effect on one's resources, both physical and mental.

arduous undertaking

Focuses on the demanding and laborious nature of the task or endeavor.

taxing endeavor

Stresses the demanding and burdening aspect of the activity.

punishing exercise

Highlights the physically demanding aspect, often implying a severe impact.

difficult period

A more general term emphasizing the challenging nature of a span of time.

trying time

Emphasizes the testing and challenging aspect of a particular period.

tough stretch

Implies a difficult phase or segment within a larger process or journey.

rough patch

Suggests a period marked by difficulties and setbacks.

rigorous challenge

Highlights the demanding and strict nature of the task at hand.

FAQs

What does "gruelling experience" mean?

A "gruelling experience" refers to a difficult experience that requires a lot of effort or endurance, usually with an unpleasant outcome.

How can I use "gruelling experience" in a sentence?

You can use "gruelling experience" to describe events, tasks or periods that are extremely challenging and exhausting, like "The marathon was a "gruelling experience", but I'm glad I finished it".

What are some alternatives to "gruelling experience"?

Alternatives to "gruelling experience" include "exhausting ordeal", "draining trial", or "arduous undertaking" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "grueling experience" grammatically correct?

Yes, "gruelling experience" is grammatically correct. "Gruelling" is the adjective form of the verb "to gruel" and is used to describe the noun "experience".