process was grueling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "process was grueling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or experience that is extremely difficult, exhausting, or demanding. Example: "The training process was grueling, pushing everyone to their limits both physically and mentally."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the process was grueling.

The New York Times - Magazine

The process was grueling, Ms. Morpeau, 47, said as she, too, sat on the futon, which serves as Danielo's bed and is next to a small folding cot where Ondine, 16, sleeps.

The New York Times

Mr. Libeskind, now conciliatory, said that Mr. Arad was not prepared for the setbacks he would face, "but no one could have been," since the process was grueling for everyone, including himself.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The filmmaking process is grueling, Mr. Reckart acknowledged, but the hours of manipulation create an intimate connection to the characters.

The New York Times

The review process is grueling and uncertain; its outcome may be affected by commercial or political trends that influence what research issues are considered "important", or by the intellectual convictions or interests of particular reviewers.

The Economist

White, the forward from North Carolina Charlotte, said the Nets told him he would probably be gone before No. 7. Battier, the Duke graduate, spun sophisms like a philosophy student sitting at a coffee house among good friends and teachers, arguing the benefit of a well-rounded basketball player over an athlete, explaining his lack of body art, admitting the predraft process is grueling.

The New York Times - Sports

And to you non-writers, this process is grueling and frustrating, time-consuming and important.

Huffington Post

Gülmay's now been divorced for eight years, although she left her husband's house long before ― the divorce process is grueling for women here, especially those who would become single mothers.

Huffington Post

The travel was grueling.

The New York Times

It was grueling.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was grueling".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a particularly challenging experience, use "process was grueling" to effectively convey the intensity and difficulty involved. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts where a strong emphasis is needed.

Common error

While "process was grueling" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. Consider more relaxed alternatives like "tough" or "rough" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "process was grueling" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a particular process as extremely difficult and exhausting. As indicated by Ludwig, it’s generally correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "process was grueling" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a task or experience that is extremely difficult and exhausting. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness. While it is mostly found in "News & Media" contexts and considered of neutral register, it is important to consider the audience and context to avoid overuse, particularly in very casual settings. Alternatives like "process was tough" may be more appropriate for informal conversations. The phrase effectively conveys intensity and difficulty, making it valuable in both formal and informal writing where emphasis is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

process was exhausting

Replaces "grueling" with "exhausting", focusing on the tiring aspect of the process.

process was arduous

Substitutes "grueling" with "arduous", highlighting the difficulty and effort involved.

process was demanding

Replaces "grueling" with "demanding", emphasizing the high requirements and pressure of the process.

process was taxing

Substitutes "grueling" with "taxing", suggesting a strain on resources or energy.

it was a grueling process

Reorders the sentence to place emphasis on "grueling" as a description of the process.

process proved to be grueling

Adds the element of unexpected difficulty during the process.

process tested our limits

Focuses on the personal impact, illustrating how the process challenged individual boundaries.

it was a trial by fire

Uses a metaphor to describe an intense and challenging experience.

process was a nightmare

Employs a strong negative term to convey the extremely unpleasant experience.

process took a heavy toll

Highlights the negative consequences and overall impact of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "process was grueling" in a sentence?

You can use "process was grueling" to describe a task or experience that was extremely difficult and exhausting. For example, "The training "process was grueling", pushing everyone to their limits."

What are some alternatives to "process was grueling"?

Alternatives include "process was exhausting", "process was arduous", or "process was demanding", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "process was grueling" formal or informal?

"Process was grueling" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and choose alternatives like "process was tough" for more casual settings.

Can "grueling" be used to describe things other than a "process"?

Yes, "grueling" can describe other nouns like "work", "schedule", or "journey", indicating that those things are extremely tiring and demanding. For example, "The work was grueling" or "The schedule was grueling".