more strenuous than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more strenuous than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of difficulty or effort required by two different activities or tasks. Example: "Running a marathon is often considered more strenuous than participating in a half marathon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Outdoor exercise tends, too, to be more strenuous than the indoor version.

The New York Times

Leisure could thus be strenuous in the highest degree – far more strenuous than work – without losing its leisure character.

The Guardian

It's horrible". He said the assignment was more strenuous than the time he was shot at while deployed in Africa.

The New York Times

Recent changes in international guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation caused concern that the new ILCOR protocol was more strenuous than the previous one.

Resuscitation

Programs that include multiple opportunities for activities more strenuous than walking, such as kayaking, vigorous walking on inclines, or bicycling would carry this designation.

Princeton University

When these high-intensity sessions of jumping rope and other powerful movements became even more strenuous than my longer routines, I was a convert.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Books

It required more strenuous chewing than it should have.

The New York Times - Food

In the absence of an elaborate system of administration, the authority of the government was strengthened by the ubiquity of its representatives, and no one set a more strenuous example than the king himself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It should involve, surely, little more strenuous activity than reading books, which he'd be doing anyway; and besides, he knows the language, so it will be a break from the other A-levels he has elected to do, viz French and German.

The Guardian - Opinion

19– 22 The reason for the higher prevalence may be that men engage in more strenuous activity than females.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more strenuous than", ensure that you are comparing two specific activities or tasks to provide a clear understanding of the difference in effort required.

Common error

Avoid using "more strenuous than" without clearly defining what is being compared to what. Vague comparisons can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more strenuous than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one activity, task, or situation requires greater effort, energy, or exertion compared to another. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more strenuous than" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe activities or tasks that require a greater degree of effort. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison between two defined subjects to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "more demanding than" or "more challenging than" for nuanced expression. Remember that while the phrase is broadly applicable, clarity and context are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more demanding than

Focuses on the requirements and effort needed, emphasizing the challenging nature.

more taxing than

Highlights the burden and strain imposed by an activity.

more arduous than

Emphasizes the difficulty and laboriousness involved.

more laborious than

Highlights the effort and time required, focusing on the work involved.

more challenging than

Indicates a higher level of difficulty and the need for greater skill or effort.

more rigorous than

Stresses the strictness and thoroughness required, suggesting a higher level of difficulty.

more exhausting than

Focuses on the depleting effect of the activity, emphasizing fatigue.

more difficult than

A general comparison of difficulty, applicable across contexts.

more energy-intensive than

Highlights the amount of energy needed.

more grueling than

Implies an experience that is severely testing and physically demanding.

FAQs

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

Use "more strenuous than" to compare the physical or mental effort required by two different activities. For example, "Hiking uphill is more strenuous than walking on flat ground."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more demanding than", "more challenging than", or "more taxing than".

Is it grammatically correct to say "more strenuous than"?

Yes, "more strenuous than" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard comparative structure in English, using "more" to indicate a higher degree of effort or difficulty.

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

"More strenuous than" typically refers to physical or mental effort, while "more difficult than" can refer to challenges that are not necessarily related to effort, such as complexity or skill requirements.