it was arduous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was arduous' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means 'requiring significant difficulty, effort, or determination'. Example sentence: Climbing that mountain was so arduous that I wanted to give up halfway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

You said it was arduous photographing this tree.

The New York Times

It was arduous, chancy work, but it fed the family.

The Economist

It was long and it was arduous, but uneventful.

The New York Times

"It was arduous and fatiguing and difficult to access," Chief Mulligan said.

The New York Times

It is perhaps the greatest long novel about India, but it was neglected because it was arduous to translate.

The New Yorker

It was arduous work, although Clissett proved so proficient that he once claimed to have made a chair every working day.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"But it is arduous".

The New York Times

It's arduous work indeed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's arduous trekking," says Collinge.

Nature

"I know that it is arduous, that it is painful, that it is a drawn-out task," Ms. Merkel said.

The New York Times

The trip over the passes has been accomplished by thousands of families, but it is arduous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was arduous" to describe tasks or experiences that require sustained effort and determination. It's particularly effective when conveying a sense of overcoming significant obstacles.

Common error

While "arduous" is a perfectly valid word, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "challenging" might be more appropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was arduous" functions as a declarative statement, where "it" refers to a previously mentioned task, experience, or situation, and "arduous" serves as the predicate adjective, describing the subject's nature as requiring significant effort and difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was arduous" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a sense of significant difficulty and sustained effort. According to Ludwig AI, its prevalence in news and media suggests a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality. While "arduous" is a powerful descriptor, simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "challenging" may be more appropriate for casual conversations. Remember to use "it was arduous" to highlight not just the difficulty, but the determination required to overcome it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was challenging

Replaces "arduous" with "challenging", indicating difficulty but possibly with a sense of stimulation.

it was difficult

A more general term for not easy; less intense than "arduous".

it was strenuous

Emphasizes the physical effort involved, similar to "arduous".

it was taxing

Highlights the depleting effect on one's resources, whether physical or mental.

it was demanding

Stresses the high requirements and expectations of the task.

it was grueling

Suggests extreme exhaustion and hardship.

it was laborious

Focuses on the amount of work and effort involved.

it was formidable

Indicates that something inspires fear or respect due to being impressively difficult.

it was onerous

Implies a burden or obligation that is troublesome.

it was back-breaking

Figuratively emphasizes the physical strain and effort.

FAQs

What does "it was arduous" mean?

"It was arduous" means something was very difficult, strenuous, and required a lot of effort.

How can I use "it was arduous" in a sentence?

You can say "it was arduous" to describe a task, journey, or experience that was challenging and required significant effort. For example, "The climb to the summit "it was arduous", but rewarding."

What are some synonyms for "it was arduous"?

Alternatives to "it was arduous" include "it was challenging", "it was difficult", or "it was strenuous" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was arduous" or "it was hard"?

"It was arduous" is more formal and emphasizes the sustained effort and difficulty involved. "It was hard" is more general and can apply to a wider range of situations. The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.