physically taxing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'physically taxing' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to indicate that an activity or task is strenuous, tiring, or difficult to do. For example: The hike up the mountain was physically taxing, but the view from the top was worth the effort.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not as physically taxing.

The New York Times - Sports

The car was physically taxing to drive, he added.

The New York Times

Performing Bill T. Jones's African-inspired choreography every night is physically taxing.

The New York Times

Since their positions are physically taxing, their jerseys are more prone to rips and tears.

The New York Times - Sports

If the venue's bigger, you're working the room, which is physically taxing.

The Guardian

Kayak paddling is easy to learn and need not be physically taxing.

The New York Times

Unedited History is a marathon, one that is both emotionally and physically taxing.

The Guardian

Moreover, it has grown easier for older Americans to continue working as the economy has shifted from physically taxing manufacturing jobs to less grueling service sector jobs.

The New York Times

"I suppose it's the most rewarding experience, although sometimes the rewards feel overwhelmed by how emotionally and physically taxing it is".

The Guardian

Col Osborn also warned Maj Hasan that representing himself would be "a far more physically taxing enterprise than you can imagine".

BBC

It must be physically taxing.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an activity, be specific about what makes it "physically taxing". Is it the duration, the intensity, the repetitive motions, or the environmental conditions? Providing context will enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

While widely accepted, "physically taxing" can sometimes sound informal in highly professional or scientific writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives such as "strenuous", "demanding", or describing the specific physical requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physically taxing" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the quality or characteristic of being demanding on the body. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to indicate that something is strenuous or difficult.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physically taxing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that demands significant physical effort or endurance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used to convey that an activity is strenuous or difficult. Occurring frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki" sources, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. While synonyms like "strenuous" or "arduous" may offer more formal alternatives, "physically taxing" remains a clear and widely understood descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grueling

Emphasizes the severe and exhausting nature of the activity.

strenuous

Focuses on the demanding nature of the activity.

arduous

Highlights the difficulty and sustained effort involved.

exacting

Emphasizes the high standards and demands of the task.

laborious

Highlights the effort and hard work required.

demanding

Highlights the high demands on physical resources.

challenging

Emphasizes the difficulty and need for physical capabilities.

energy-draining

Focuses on the depletion of energy due to the activity.

tiring

Simplifies the description to the feeling of fatigue.

backbreaking

Suggests very hard physical labor, potentially injurious.

FAQs

How can I use "physically taxing" in a sentence?

You can use "physically taxing" to describe activities that require significant physical effort. For instance, "Marathon running is a "physically taxing" endeavor", or "Construction work can be "physically taxing"".

What are some synonyms for "physically taxing"?

Alternatives to "physically taxing" include "strenuous", "arduous", "demanding", or "laborious", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "physically taxing" or "mentally taxing"?

The choice between "physically taxing" and "mentally taxing" depends on whether the primary demand is on physical or cognitive resources. If an activity primarily requires physical exertion, "physically taxing" is more appropriate. If it requires mental effort, use "mentally taxing".

What makes an activity "physically taxing"?

An activity can be "physically taxing" due to its intensity, duration, repetitive motions, or the environmental conditions in which it's performed. Factors such as lifting heavy objects, prolonged standing, or working in extreme temperatures can all contribute to an activity being "physically taxing".