more strenuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more strenuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an activity or task that requires greater effort or exertion compared to another. Example: "The hike became more strenuous as we ascended the mountain, challenging even the most experienced climbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The work outside was more strenuous.

The New York Times - Science

Are you exercising regularly and at progressively more strenuous levels?

Harvard University

The reasoning in "Jagger" takes more strenuous acrobatics than that.

The New York Times - Books

"More strenuous and longer activities lowered the risk even more".

BBC

Mr. Wheeldon's ballet is gloomier, and more strenuous.

The New York Times - Arts

Abbott, notoriously, is interested in more strenuous pursuits.

The Guardian - Opinion

It required more strenuous chewing than it should have.

The New York Times - Food

"He just wanted to have a more strenuous side day".

The New York Times - Sports

But do you need to talk to your doctor before taking on a more strenuous regimen?

Harvard University

Single-unit chalets are usually on the outskirts and may require more strenuous hikes.

The New York Times - Travel

For many voters whose regular polling places had been moved, the day was even more strenuous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing physical activities, use "more strenuous" to clearly convey that one activity requires greater physical exertion than another. For example, "Running is often more strenuous than walking."

Common error

Avoid using "more strenuous" when describing tasks that are mentally challenging but not physically demanding. Opt for terms like "more complex", "more demanding", or "more challenging" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more strenuous" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate a higher degree of effort, energy, or intensity is needed. Ludwig examples show it comparing physical activities or tests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more strenuous" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective phrase that describes activities requiring greater physical exertion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts and serves to compare physical effort, with alternatives like ""more demanding"" or ""more challenging"" suitable for mental or non-physical contexts. When writing, it's best practice to use "more strenuous" for physical activities and avoid it for purely mental tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more demanding

Emphasizes the higher requirements or expectations involved.

more challenging

Highlights the increased difficulty and the need for problem-solving.

more arduous

Focuses on the effort and laboriousness involved.

more taxing

Stresses the depleting or exhausting nature of the activity.

more rigorous

Implies a stricter and more thorough approach is needed.

more difficult

A general term for something that presents greater obstacles.

more laborious

Highlights the significant amount of work and effort required.

more intense

Emphasizes the higher degree of concentration, force, or energy involved.

more exhausting

Focuses on the depleting nature of the activity.

more formidable

Suggests a greater sense of awe and potential difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "more strenuous" in a sentence?

You can use "more strenuous" to compare the level of physical effort required by different activities. For example, "Hiking uphill is "more strenuous" than walking on flat ground."

What's a good alternative to "more strenuous"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more demanding", "more challenging", or "more arduous" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "more strenuous" to describe a mental task?

While "more strenuous" primarily refers to physical exertion, using it for mental tasks is less common. It's better to use phrases like "more challenging" or "more demanding" when describing mental efforts.

What is the difference between "more strenuous" and "more difficult"?

"More strenuous" specifically refers to physical effort and energy expenditure, while "more difficult" is a broader term that can apply to both physical and mental challenges. For example, "Solving a complex equation is more difficult, while lifting heavy weights is more strenuous."