it was onerous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was onerous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that was burdensome or difficult to endure. Example: "The project was supposed to be straightforward, but it turned out to be onerous, requiring far more effort than we anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We didn't think it was onerous to wait 30 to 60 seconds for your car".

The New York Times

When she learned, for example, that it was onerous for her staff to bring her breakfast in bed at six-thirty, she allowed her tray to be set up the evening before.

The New Yorker

Music industry coalition musicFIRST's executive director, Chris Israel, disagrees: calling registration "a terrible idea," he suggested it was onerous for artists who are already dealing with the pre/post-1972 pre/post-1972to have to "jump through new legal hoops".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is onerous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"So I don't understand the $5. It's onerous".

The New York Times

Bankruptcy experts say it is onerous and most cities try to avoid it.

The New York Times

But the cross-state rule has stirred huge opposition from Texas officials, who say it is onerous and takes effect too quickly.

The New York Times

These are the people perhaps not bothered by various restrictions passed in different states, the people who don't see why it's onerous that an abortion doctor be compelled to have hospital admitting privileges or a woman has to go through a waiting period.

Los Angeles Times

However, HAART is costly, it is onerous for both patient and health care provider, and often brings adverse effects.

BMC Infectious Diseases

While these instruments may be helpful in identifying particular symptoms they do not allow the examination of all potential symptoms and it is onerous to ask patients to complete multiple questionnaires.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The most common reason given is that the formulary was not usually in the examination room and/or referring to it is onerous and consumes precious consultation time with their patients.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was onerous", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, making the sentence unambiguous. For instance, specify the task, responsibility, or requirement that is burdensome.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it was onerous" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "it was tough" or "it was a pain" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was onerous" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, where "onerous" modifies "it". It describes a characteristic of something, indicating that it is burdensome or difficult. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was onerous" is a grammatically sound way to describe something burdensome or difficult. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context and register when using it. More formal than "it was hard" or "it was tough", it is commonly found in News & Media and Science sources. When writing, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to, and be mindful of potential over-formality in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was burdensome

Focuses on the weight or load imposed by the task.

it was taxing

Emphasizes the depletion of energy or resources.

it was difficult

A more general term indicating a lack of ease.

it was arduous

Highlights the effort and exertion required.

it was troublesome

Suggests the task caused problems or annoyance.

it was challenging

Implies the task required significant skill or effort to overcome.

it was oppressive

Emphasizes the feeling of being weighed down or controlled.

it was trying

Suggests the task tested one's patience or endurance.

it was grueling

Focuses on the extreme physical or mental exhaustion caused.

it was laborious

Highlights the need for extensive effort and time.

FAQs

What does "it was onerous" mean?

The phrase "it was onerous" means that something was burdensome, difficult, or troublesome. It implies that the task or situation required a significant amount of effort or was difficult to endure.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was burdensome", "it was difficult", or "it was challenging" depending on the context.

How do you use "it was onerous" in a sentence?

Use "it was onerous" to describe a task, duty, or requirement that is difficult or burdensome. For example, "The application process was onerous, requiring extensive documentation."

Is "it was onerous" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was onerous" leans towards the formal side. In more informal settings, consider using alternatives like "it was tough" or "it was hard".