gruelling hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gruelling hours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of time that is extremely demanding or exhausting, often in the context of work or effort. Example: "After working gruelling hours on the project, the team finally met the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It will take many more gruelling hours to make the law work.

The Economist

Shevlin worked gruelling hours alone, from 8am till 8pm, with paperwork on top.

The Guardian - Money

I started my career with the gruelling hours and high stress that are traditionally visited on young lawyers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Classwork, however, consisted of long, gruelling hours learning how to mimic sounds that my mother would never be able to hear.

The New Yorker

Most dramatically, the undercover journalist working at both units captures cash-in-hand payments being made to her for gruelling hours.

The Guardian - Business

Time Magazine says, "interest in becoming a primary care physician has plummeted; the field's gruelling hours and relatively low pay have given it a second class status".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

After a gruelling hour I feel I have gained some respect.

The Guardian - Travel

Currently there are two main land routes from Kabul: the slow but safe road via the Sibher Pass, which despite being only 200km [124 miles] takes a gruelling eight hours, or the relatively fast but potentially lethal four-hour road trip through Taliban territory to the south.

The Guardian

This can take a gruelling six hours; from 7am until 1pm.

The Guardian

Over a gruelling four hours and thirty-seven minutes in Paris, Djokovic had failed to prevail by the slightest of margins.

The New Yorker

Let's also be clear about how Shorten washed out of his gruelling 48 hours in the witness box.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing professions or situations known for overwork, use "gruelling hours" to clearly convey the intense demands and potential for burnout. For instance, "The interns quickly learned to cope with the gruelling hours required in the emergency room."

Common error

Avoid using "gruelling hours" when simply referring to a standard full-time job. The phrase is most effective when highlighting exceptionally demanding or exhausting work conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gruelling hours" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective ("gruelling"). It typically refers to a period of work or activity that is exceptionally demanding and exhausting. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and frequently encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gruelling hours" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe work periods characterized by extreme length and intensity. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its primary function is to emphasize the demanding nature of such schedules, often implying potential for strain and exhaustion. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts with a neutral register. When writing, use this phrase to accurately depict exceptionally demanding conditions, and consider alternatives like "demanding work schedule" or "arduous working hours" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demanding work schedule

Focuses on the demanding aspect of the schedule, highlighting the requirements and expectations of the work.

taxing work period

Emphasizes the draining and exhausting nature of the work period.

arduous working hours

Similar to "gruelling", but uses a more formal and less common adjective.

strenuous time commitment

Highlights the substantial amount of time dedicated to challenging tasks.

challenging shift length

Focuses specifically on the length and difficulty of a work shift.

rigorous time on task

Emphasizes the intensity and strictness of the time spent working.

punishing work routine

Conveys a sense of hardship and difficulty associated with the work routine.

tiring duty schedule

Highlights the fatigue and weariness resulting from the work schedule.

exhausting work timetable

Focuses on the comprehensive and draining nature of the work timetable.

laborious days

Highlights that each day requires a lot of effort

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gruelling hours" in a sentence?

Use "gruelling hours" to describe work periods that are exceptionally long and demanding, often leading to exhaustion. For example: "The project demanded "gruelling hours" to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "gruelling hours"?

You can use alternatives like "demanding work schedule", "taxing work period", or "arduous working hours" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grueling hours" instead of "gruelling hours"?

"Grueling" and "gruelling" are both acceptable spellings, but "gruelling" is the more common spelling in British English, while "grueling" is more common in American English. Choose the spelling that aligns with your intended audience.

What kind of jobs typically involve "gruelling hours"?

Professions often associated with "gruelling hours" include doctors, lawyers, investment bankers, and entrepreneurs, where long workdays and high-pressure situations are common.