painstakingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'painstakingly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that takes great effort and attention to detail. For example: "John painstakingly worked to finish the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Twitter was soon full of jokes and memes respecting his patience: The waiting took its toll on journalists and election analysts painstakingly recording the results.

The Guardian

Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, said the House bill was a compromise proposal "that was painstakingly crafted with significant input from the intelligence community".

The Guardian

But what makes this collection stand out is how painstakingly the author has drawn them; Selvon has a way of investing the most tiny, insignificant detail with a universe of meaning.

The Guardian - Books

The curators Pickering and Kaus have painstakingly trawled through the records that may accompany bones for clues.

The Guardian

He has painstakingly prepared for the task over the past four years by studying the rigging methods used in previous elections, implementing an elaborate system of voter registration, training thousands of electoral staff, and introducing biometric readers to identify voters by reading their thumbprint.

The Guardian

As Jeff Attwood, a great blogger, puts it: "The tablet and phone app ecosystem is slowly, painstakingly reinventing everything I hated about the computer software industry before the web blew it all up".

The Guardian - Tech

The terms and procedures for the debate were negotiated painstakingly with his chef de cabinet.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We can't do that because we've always had to painstakingly work year in, year out before people even win elections".

The Guardian

Or, at least, a very high form of painstakingly executed craft.

The Guardian

In part, however, it also surely reflects her freedom to stand, unencumbered, as a champion of Scotland, while her rivals were obliged to weigh, painstakingly, how words would play in different parts of the realm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Apparently, it has taken him four years to painstakingly assemble the hypertracks and bleak atmospherica featured on his debut album Heal out of samples and percussive micro-bytes, "drawing on the surrounding popular culture that is the early 21st century," according to the press release.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that requires significant precision or effort, use "painstakingly" to emphasize the dedication and attention to detail involved.

Common error

Avoid using "painstakingly" to describe tasks that are not inherently complex or time-consuming. Overusing the word can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "painstakingly" modifies verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its consistent and correct usage in numerous examples highlights its role in emphasizing effort and detail. It adds depth to the description of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "painstakingly" is a versatile adverb that effectively communicates a high degree of care, effort, and attention to detail in an action. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While it’s important to avoid overuse in simple contexts, "painstakingly" can be a powerful tool for emphasizing dedication and thoroughness in writing. Consider alternatives like "meticulously" or "diligently" to refine your message. Remember to employ "painstakingly" when highlighting the effort and precision invested in a task, ensuring its impact is both clear and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with meticulous attention to detail

Highlights the focus on detail, adding emphasis to the thoroughness of the action.

with great care

Focuses on the carefulness of the action, omitting the slowness or difficulty aspects.

fastidiously

Highlights the care and attention given to avoid flaws or imperfections.

with diligence

Stresses the consistent and earnest effort applied.

with extreme precision

Highlights accuracy and exactness, not necessarily the effort involved.

assiduously

Focuses on the persistent effort and dedication applied to the task.

scrupulously

Emphasizes a strong concern for detail and accuracy.

in a detailed manner

Emphasizes the level of detail involved, shifting focus from effort to the resulting depth.

conscientiously

Emphasizes the moral aspect of taking care and being thorough.

thoroughly

Implies completeness and exhaustiveness, without necessarily indicating difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "painstakingly" in a sentence?

You can use "painstakingly" to describe actions done with great care and attention to detail. For example: "She "painstakingly" researched every source for her dissertation."

What are some alternatives to "painstakingly"?

Alternatives include "meticulously", "diligently", or "with great care", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "painstakingly" to describe a simple task?

While grammatically correct, using "painstakingly" for a simple task might sound exaggerated. Consider using a less emphatic adverb in such cases.

What is the difference between "painstakingly" and "carefully"?

"Painstakingly" implies a greater degree of effort, thoroughness, and attention to detail than "carefully". "Carefully" suggests attentiveness, while "painstakingly" suggests a more prolonged and meticulous approach.