it was grueling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was grueling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience or task that was extremely tiring or demanding, often physically or mentally. Example: "The marathon was grueling, pushing me to my limits and testing my endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was grueling.

The New York Times - Sports

It was grueling for people who did go to work.

The New York Times

It was grueling and required a lot of stamina.

The New York Times - Arts

It may have been glamorous, but it was grueling child labor.

The New York Times

She had found a job that she felt compelled to take, even though it was grueling and carried no salary.

The New York Times

It was grueling and my wife asked me why I spent all the time to switch for such a tiny gain.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But sarcasm aside, for many models, it is grueling.

The New York Times

It is grueling for child and parent alike.

The New York Times

It is a period people in town simply refer to as "fresh," and it is grueling.

The New York Times

Generally, cast members perform seven shows a week, and it's grueling: there's no backstage area or resting allowed.

The New York Times - Arts

Having observed him over the course of a week, I can confirm that it is grueling, tedious work.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was grueling" to effectively convey the intense difficulty and exhaustion associated with an experience or task. This phrase is particularly useful when describing something that tested your limits, both physically and mentally.

Common error

While "grueling" is a strong descriptor, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "exhausting", "arduous", or "taxing" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was grueling" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a past experience or activity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English to effectively convey extreme tiredness or demanding nature of something. This aligns with examples showing it describing physical labor or intense training.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was grueling" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe experiences that are intensely difficult and exhausting. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources. While effective, remember to vary your language and consider synonyms to prevent overuse. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively use "it was grueling" to convey the challenging nature of a past event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was exhausting

Focuses on the depletion of energy, highlighting tiredness more than the struggle.

it was arduous

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required, often implying a long and challenging process.

it was taxing

Highlights the demanding nature and the strain it puts on one's resources.

it was challenging

Focuses on the difficulty and the need to overcome obstacles.

it was strenuous

Emphasizes the physical effort and exertion involved.

it was a trial

Highlights the difficulty and unpleasantness of the experience.

it was punishing

Stresses the harshness and the negative impact on one's well-being.

it was demanding

Focuses on the high expectations and requirements placed on someone.

it was rigorous

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness of the process or activity.

it was back-breaking

Emphasizes the intense physical labor and exhaustion involved.

FAQs

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

Use "it was grueling" to describe tasks or experiences that are extremely tiring and demanding, such as "The training camp "it was grueling", but worth it in the end" or "The work "it was grueling", testing our endurance and resolve".

What can I say instead of "it was grueling"?

You can use alternatives like "it was exhausting", "it was arduous", or "it was taxing" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the experience was grueling"?

Yes, "the experience was grueling" is grammatically correct and a common way to describe a very difficult or exhausting experience. You can also use "it" to refer to a specific event or task, as in ""it was grueling"".

What's the difference between "grueling" and "difficult"?

"Difficult" describes something that requires effort to overcome or understand, while "grueling" implies extreme exhaustion and strain, both physically and mentally. A task can be difficult without being grueling, but a grueling task is always difficult.