mentally demanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mentally demanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that requires considerable mental effort or concentration. For example, "This test was quite mentally demanding. I had to really focus to get through it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The authors suggest those who stayed in school for an additional year were likely to end up with better jobs in more mentally demanding professions, which could benefit their mental abilities later on.

BBC

His job is physically and mentally demanding.

The New York Times - Sports

One of the biggest challenges of sailing is how mentally demanding the sport can be.

Harvard University

Rapid speed and high acceleration ("g-forces") make staying in formation physically difficult and mentally demanding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Ambulance staff do a challenging job that is physically and mentally demanding.

The Guardian

It's physically and mentally demanding when you play against a guy like that".

The New York Times - Sports

It's physically and mentally demanding: you've got to be concentrating all the time.

The Guardian - Money

The job requires unrelenting energy, complete attention, and is physically and mentally demanding too.

The Guardian

Winters are physically demanding, Dominguez said, but not as mentally demanding as the high-stakes drama of Saratoga or Belmont.

The New York Times - Sports

The aim is to make training so complex and mentally demanding that the game feels relaxing by contrast.

The Guardian - Sport

The objective of this study was to identify the differences in the levels of fatigue in the workplace experienced by Asian and Western workers in mentally demanding jobs.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a job or activity, consider using "mentally demanding" to accurately portray the level of cognitive effort required. This helps set realistic expectations for those involved.

Common error

While "mentally demanding" is accurate, avoid overusing it. Consider alternatives like "cognitively challenging" or "intellectually stimulating" to add variety to your writing and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mentally demanding" functions primarily as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It describes something requiring considerable mental effort, focus, or cognitive load. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mentally demanding" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe tasks, jobs, or situations requiring significant cognitive effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While primarily neutral in tone, "mentally demanding" effectively communicates the level of cognitive challenge involved. For enhanced writing, consider synonyms like "cognitively challenging" or "intellectually stimulating" to avoid repetition and add nuance. It's also important to be mindful of overusing the phrase and consider more specific alternatives where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitively challenging

Focuses on the cognitive aspect, highlighting the challenge to mental processes.

mentally taxing

Focuses on the draining or exhausting aspect of the mental effort.

intellectually stimulating

Emphasizes the positive aspect of engaging the intellect.

mentally rigorous

Highlights a strict and demanding mental process.

requiring intense concentration

Emphasizes the need for focused attention.

brain-intensive

A more informal way to describe something requiring a lot of brainpower.

requiring deep thought

Highlights the need for profound and careful consideration.

analytically complex

Highlights the need for analytical skills and complex problem-solving.

thought-provoking

Suggests something that stimulates thinking and reflection.

academically rigorous

Specifically applies to academic settings emphasizing high standards and effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "mentally demanding" to describe tasks, jobs, or situations that require a lot of focus and cognitive effort. For instance, "The exam was incredibly "mentally demanding", requiring hours of intense concentration".

What are some synonyms for "mentally demanding"?

Alternatives to "mentally demanding" include "cognitively challenging", "intellectually stimulating", or "brain-intensive", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a sport as "mentally demanding"?

Yes, many sports require significant mental acuity, strategy, and focus, making "mentally demanding" an appropriate descriptor. For example, "Tennis is a very "mentally demanding" sport because players constantly have to anticipate their opponent's moves".

What is the difference between "mentally demanding" and "physically demanding"?

"Mentally demanding" refers to activities that require considerable cognitive effort and concentration. In contrast, "physically demanding" describes activities that require strength, stamina, and physical exertion. Some activities can be both.