painstaking work

USAGE SUMMARY

'painstaking work' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a task or activity that requires a great deal of concentration, precision, and effort. For example, "It took me days of painstaking work to create the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Diplomacy is painstaking work.

The Guardian

It is careful, painstaking work".

Independent

It is painstaking work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It can be painstaking work.

The Guardian - Money

"This is painstaking work.

The Guardian

It's painstaking work, but also encouraging.

The New York Times

It is slow, painstaking work.

The Guardian

All of this painstaking work takes time.

The New York Times - Books

Building a hoist is painstaking work.

The New York Times

It can be slow, painstaking work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With nineties-era technology, this was painstaking work.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "painstaking work", ensure that the context clearly indicates the time, effort, and precision involved. This will emphasize the significance of the task and the dedication required.

Common error

Avoid using "painstaking work" to describe tasks that are merely time-consuming. Reserve it for situations where the work requires exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and perseverance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painstaking work" functions as a noun phrase, where "painstaking" modifies the noun "work". It describes a type of work characterized by great care, effort, and attention to detail, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "painstaking work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of work requiring great care and attention to detail. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, highlighting the dedication and precision involved. While synonyms like "meticulous effort" or "detailed labor" exist, "painstaking work" remains a reliable and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous effort

Focuses on the extreme attention to detail required.

detailed labor

Highlights the thoroughness and effort involved.

thorough endeavor

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the undertaking.

careful craftsmanship

Suggests skill and precision in execution.

diligent application

Highlights the persistent and dedicated effort.

assiduous activity

Focuses on the constant and attentive nature of the work.

studious attempt

Emphasizes the careful planning and research involved.

conscientious exertion

Highlights the moral aspect of putting in effort with care.

elaborate procedure

Focuses on the complexity and detail of the process.

rigorous process

Emphasizes the strictness and precision of the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "painstaking work" to describe tasks requiring extreme care and detail, such as "The restoration of the ancient manuscript required months of painstaking work", or "Creating the intricate model ship involved years of painstaking work".

What are some synonyms for "painstaking work"?

Some alternatives to "painstaking work" include "meticulous effort", "detailed labor", or "careful craftsmanship".

When is it appropriate to use "painstaking work"?

"Painstaking work" is suitable when describing tasks that demand a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and perseverance, often over a prolonged period.

What's the difference between "painstaking work" and "hard work"?

"Painstaking work" implies a meticulous and detailed approach, whereas "hard work" simply suggests effort and diligence. "Painstaking work" is a subset of "hard work" that emphasizes precision.