intellectually demanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'intellectually demanding' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a task or activity that requires great thought and effort. For example, "This physics problem is an intellectually demanding challenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But if Home is less intellectually demanding, it is more emotionally demanding, and enriches and expands Gilead in unexpected ways.

The Guardian - Books

Nursing school has been intellectually demanding and all-consuming.

The New York Times

With this moving, intellectually demanding fantasy the decade ended on a satisfactory note.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our programs are exciting and intellectually demanding, and our graduate student community is stimulating and diverse.

Harvard University

It's not that all architecture must be Serious, Important and Intellectually Demanding.

The New York Times - Arts

"Intellect alone is not enough – although it is a very intellectually demanding job.

The Guardian

Hughes introduced Ellison to the high-strung, intellectually demanding Richard Wright and thereby radicalized him.

The New York Times - Books

No longer are young people "ghettoised into theatre that is not intellectually demanding".

The Guardian

She's protecting them from the most intellectually demanding activities because she doesn't understand what's cognitively difficult and what isn't.

The New York Times

But the company's engineers, rewarded for tackling more intellectually demanding challenges, regarded the problem as a low-status janitorial job.

Harvard Business Review

That may be the number of people left willing to experience films so intellectually demanding and so resolutely not "nice".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a field or study, use "intellectually demanding" to highlight the depth of knowledge and analytical skills required. For example: "Theoretical physics is an intellectually demanding field."

Common error

Avoid using "intellectually demanding" to describe tasks that are only mildly challenging; reserve it for situations truly requiring substantial cognitive effort. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectually demanding" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, to describe a noun. It emphasizes the significant cognitive requirements associated with the subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it modifies subjects like 'jobs', 'tasks', and 'courses'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

OtherRelated

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectually demanding" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe activities or environments requiring considerable cognitive effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, its proper use conveys a sense of rigor and complexity, suitable for diverse contexts from academia and science to news and business. To maintain impact, it's advisable to reserve this descriptor for tasks truly warranting substantial mental exertion. For situations demanding similar precision, consider alternatives like "cognitively challenging" or "mentally stimulating".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectually stimulating

Focuses on the stimulation and active engagement of intellect.

cognitively challenging

Emphasizes the challenge to cognitive abilities.

challenging one's intellect

Highlights the role of something that challenges and puts the intellectual mind to the test.

requiring deep thought

Stresses the necessity for profound and careful thinking.

mentally stimulating

Focuses on the positive aspect of intellectual engagement and invigoration.

critically engaging

Focuses on the need for critical thinking and analysis.

thought-provoking

Highlights the stimulation of deeper thought and reflection.

mentally taxing

Highlights the effort and potential strain involved.

brain-teasing

Implies a playful or puzzle-like aspect to the intellectual demand.

academically rigorous

Specifically applies to academic contexts requiring high standards.

FAQs

What does "intellectually demanding" mean?

The phrase "intellectually demanding" describes something that requires a high level of cognitive effort, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving skills.

How can I use "intellectually demanding" in a sentence?

You can say, "The research project was "intellectually demanding", requiring us to analyze complex data and develop innovative solutions."

What are some synonyms for "intellectually demanding"?

Alternatives include "cognitively challenging", "mentally stimulating", or "academically rigorous", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "intellectually challenging" or "intellectually demanding"?

Both phrases are valid, but "intellectually demanding" emphasizes the amount of effort required, while "intellectually challenging" focuses on the stimulating nature of the task. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific context.