Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
high-effort
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "high-effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tasks, activities, or actions that require a significant amount of effort or energy to complete. Example: "The project was deemed a high-effort undertaking, requiring extensive research and collaboration among team members."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
He is a high-effort blocker who fights until the echo of the whistle.
News & Media
Hypothesis 1 (Lin 1993) concerns the necessity of exit rights for high-effort equilibrium in cooperatives.
The hypotheses were as follows: (1) there is a belief among athletes that voicing during high-effort tasks improves performance and (2) the use of the voice during high-effort tasks is correlated with the perception of voice impairment.
Science
In the univariate analysis, we found that the rate of female sex in the high-effort group was significantly higher than the low-effort group.
Science
According to the total score for the 5A's protocol, smoking cessation counseling was dichotomized into low- and high-effort groups in promoting smoking cessation.
Science
This was attributed to the fact that continuous high-effort coping with demanding psychosocial stressors exceeds personal coping resources as indexed by low socio-economic status [ 25, 26].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
Combine high effort with some fast shuttle results, and you have a very solid prospect.
News & Media
The climbs demand low ratios and high effort and, for long periods of the ride, are relentless.
News & Media
This involves high effort and raises the need for experts.
Science
While programming challenges are admittedly high effort, they are also high reward (just like startups).
News & Media
Mardis [19] highlightes challenges regarding the high effort in analysing sequenced data.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Pair "high-effort" with specific details about the type of effort involved, such as "high-effort research" or "high-effort physical activity", to provide context and clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "high-effort" as a direct substitute for "high-impact". While a task may require significant effort, it doesn't automatically guarantee a significant result. Focus on describing the actual outcome or impact separately to provide a complete picture.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "high-effort" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective, to describe something that requires considerable exertion or energy. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this can apply to tasks, activities, or even personal qualities.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
25%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "high-effort" is a grammatically sound and versatile adjective phrase used to describe tasks, activities, or personal attributes that require a significant amount of exertion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently encountered in scientific and news contexts, and less common in formal business settings. When using "high-effort", ensure that the level of effort is a key characteristic you want to emphasize. Consider alternative phrases like "demanding" or "laborious" for nuanced expression. Remember to clarify the type of effort to provide context and differentiate between effort and impact.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
substantial effort
This phrase replaces the adjective "high-effort" with a noun phrase that conveys the same meaning.
demanding
This term focuses on the taxing nature of the task.
laborious
This alternative emphasizes the effort required in terms of work or labor.
arduous
This term highlights the difficulty and strenuousness of the task.
strenuous
This suggests a task involving great exertion and energy.
intensive
Focuses on the concentrated nature and high degree of effort.
exacting
This term emphasizes the need for precision and thoroughness, implying significant effort.
challenging
This focuses on the difficulty that needs a large amount of effort to overcome it.
energy-intensive
This refers to tasks that consume a large amount of energy.
resource-intensive
Indicates a task that requires a significant amount of resources to complete.
FAQs
How can I use "high-effort" in a sentence?
You can use "high-effort" to describe activities or tasks that require a lot of work or energy. For example, "The project was a "high-effort" undertaking, but the results were worth it."
What are some alternatives to using "high-effort"?
Is it better to say "high-effort" or "effortful"?
"High-effort" is generally used to describe something that requires a lot of effort, while "effortful" describes something done with a lot of effort. For example, a "high-effort task" requires significant work, while an "effortful attempt" is one made with considerable exertion.
What's the difference between "high-effort" and "hard work"?
"High-effort" typically describes a task or activity, whereas "hard work" describes the act of putting in a lot of effort. You might say, "Completing the marathon was a "high-effort" endeavor that required a lot of "hard work"".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested