painstaking effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"painstaking effort" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe hard work or badly needed effort. For example: "The team put in a painstaking effort to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Timely decisions and painstaking effort", he said.

The Economist

The painstaking effort to cut and construct a paper-based set provides a truly refreshing environment.

Independent

Prosecutors described a painstaking effort to amass enough evidence for conspiracy charges.

The New York Times

Then they can lead the painstaking effort that will be needed to repair the emotional damage it has caused.

The New York Times

Preventing hypothermia is a perfect example of an unsexy task: it demands painstaking effort without immediate reward.

The New Yorker

I found that it took a lot of painstaking effort to get the audio clips right where I wanted them.

The New York Times - Tech

And labour-intensive, because every step takes many hours of painstaking effort (none of it, in this case, mine).

The Guardian - Books

Like a Chic record, or Fleetwood Mac's Rumours, it has the effortlessness that can only be achieved by months of painstaking effort.

The Guardian - Music

For all the painstaking effort at recreating hundreds of miniature buildings, cars and signs, the demolition of downtown is invariably the highlight of a Godzilla film.

The New York Times

One by one the paintings arrived at Russia's renowned restoration center, named after the artist and restorer Igor E. Grabar, where the painstaking effort to repair them began.

The New York Times

After weeks of painstaking effort, he had what he thought was a foolproof way of reaching out to the Libyans without risking his anonymity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "painstaking effort" to emphasize the dedication, meticulousness, and time invested in a task. This phrase conveys a sense of thoroughness and commitment.

Common error

While "painstaking effort" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Opt for synonyms like "diligent work" or "meticulous endeavor" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painstaking effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes the action or process of applying great care and thoroughness to a task. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "painstaking effort" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes the dedication, meticulousness, and time invested in a task. As validated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news articles to scientific reports. While alternatives like "meticulous endeavor" and "diligent work" exist, "painstaking effort" effectively conveys a sense of thoroughness and commitment. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its frequent use in describing projects that demand great care and attention to detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous endeavor

Replaces "effort" with "endeavor" and "painstaking" with "meticulous", emphasizing the attention to detail.

diligent work

Focuses on the consistent and earnest nature of the work, replacing "painstaking effort".

assiduous labor

Emphasizes the constant and attentive nature of the work involved, highlighting the dedication.

laborious undertaking

Highlights the difficulty and demanding nature of the task.

arduous task

Focuses on the challenging and strenuous nature of the task at hand.

careful work

Underscores the precision and attentiveness required in the work, simplifying the expression.

thorough preparation

Highlights the comprehensive and detailed nature of the preparatory work.

intensive work

Emphasizes the concentrated and focused nature of the work performed.

detailed execution

Focuses on the meticulous and precise manner in which the task is carried out.

in-depth analysis

Highlights a detailed and comprehensive examination replacing both painstaking and effort

FAQs

How can I use "painstaking effort" in a sentence?

You can use "painstaking effort" to describe any task that requires great care, attention to detail, and perseverance. For example, "The restoration of the artwork required "painstaking effort".".

What are some alternatives to "painstaking effort"?

Some alternatives include "meticulous endeavor", "diligent work", or "assiduous labor". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "painstaking effort" formal or informal?

"Painstaking effort" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a relatively neutral phrase that can be used in a variety of writing styles.

What is the difference between "painstaking effort" and "careful effort"?

"Painstaking effort" implies a greater degree of thoroughness, difficulty, and time investment than "careful effort". While both suggest attention to detail, "painstaking" emphasizes the dedication and persistence required.