intellectually taxing

USAGE SUMMARY

"intellectually taxing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used to describe something which requires significant mental effort or dedication. For example, "Studying for my biology exam was intellectually taxing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's engaging and fun and about as intellectually taxing as a dinner placemat.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The perfect place to unwind after such an intellectually taxing morning - and nearly deserted.

The Guardian - Travel

I doubt it's any musician's dream to provide a background to unglamorous, intellectually taxing work, often performed under a time crunch while wearing sweatpants.

The New Yorker

LESS intellectually taxing than a book group, cheaper than "retail therapy" and about 166 hours shorter than a week at a spa, the neighborhood nail salon is where many women flock each Saturday for peace and pampering.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I think it's a very demanding and challenging job, and intellectually very taxing.

The Guardian

The Lib Dem 2005 election campaign had been boosted by the party's opposition to the Iraq war, but the Orange Book tendency was frustrated that the manifesto contained "intellectually lazy tax and spend politics", to quote one of its members.

Independent

In discussing the plethora of "emotionally taxing or intellectually demanding" theater works this summer, Mr. Isherwood seeks to contrast this with the crop of summer films by saying, "Good luck finding a serious-minded movie to escape the heat".

The New York Times

This summer I feel as if I've been schlepping from assignment to assignment with a thundercloud permanently over my head, seeing one emotionally taxing or intellectually demanding show after another.

The New York Times

Taxing emotionally, intellectually, physically and of course economically, the behemoth that is getting that art degree is not for everyone.

Huffington Post

This tax loophole is also intellectually vacuous.

The New York Times

After his mission, he attended Harvard, studying business, law, classics and philosophy, though intellectually his first love was always tax avoidance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellectually taxing" when you want to emphasize the demanding and rigorous nature of a task, subject, or activity that requires significant mental effort and focus. It is particularly suitable for describing academic studies, complex projects, or intricate problems.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectually taxing" in very casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like "challenging" or "difficult".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectually taxing" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its characteristic of requiring significant mental effort. Ludwig provides examples where it describes tasks, jobs, or mornings, highlighting its role in qualifying the demanding nature of these entities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectually taxing" is used to describe activities or situations that require significant mental effort and concentration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in written English, although its frequency is relatively rare. It is commonly found in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "mentally demanding" and "cognitively challenging". While effective in conveying the rigor and demands of a task, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, where simpler language might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectually challenging

A more direct synonym, focusing on the difficulty presented to one's intellect.

mentally demanding

Emphasizes the demanding aspect on one's mental capacity.

cognitively challenging

Highlights the cognitive skills required, suggesting a challenge to one's thinking process.

brain-teasing

Implies a playful yet demanding nature, like a puzzle that requires intellectual effort.

academically rigorous

Specifically refers to the high standards and demanding nature of academic work.

intellectually stimulating

Focuses on the positive aspect of mental challenge, suggesting it's engaging and thought-provoking.

mentally exhausting

Highlights the draining effect of intense mental effort.

mentally stimulating

Focuses on the positive aspect of mental exertion and engagement.

thought-provoking

Emphasizes that the subject matter encourages deep thought and contemplation.

brain-straining

Highlights the intense effort and potential strain on mental faculties.

FAQs

What does "intellectually taxing" mean?

The phrase "intellectually taxing" describes something that requires significant mental effort, concentration, and cognitive resources. It suggests a task or activity that is demanding on one's intellect.

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

You can use "intellectually taxing" to describe activities such as studying complex subjects, solving difficult problems, or engaging in deep, analytical thinking. For example: "The research project proved to be intellectually taxing, but ultimately rewarding."

What are some alternatives to "intellectually taxing"?

Alternatives to "intellectually taxing" include "mentally demanding", "cognitively challenging", or "thought-provoking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intellectually taxing" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "intellectually taxing" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler terms like "challenging" or "difficult" to convey a similar meaning.