so arduous that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so arduous that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is extremely difficult or demanding to the extent that it leads to a particular outcome or reaction. Example: "The project was so arduous that many team members considered quitting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It is so arduous that many patients opt not to get treated or drop out before completing the course.

The New York Times - Health

The process for getting a work visa is so arduous that many bright would-be immigrants give up.

The Economist

The journey to Jharki Bisalpur is so arduous that even government officials are a rare sight, says Mrs. Devi.

The New York Times

For Mr. Feig, the process became so arduous that on three occasions he resolved to quit applying.

The New York Times

Patients could appeal decisions to withhold payment, but the process is so arduous that appeals are rarely pursued.

The New York Times

She writes in genteel, refined tones — in part because many writers make gardening seem so arduous "that we can discourage people from doing it at all".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Very high on that list is begging for money, a chore so arduous and unpleasant that Mr. Shows once considered leaving a wicker church collection basket by his office door.

The New York Times

She found the trail so arduous and dangerous that she never did it again.

The New York Times

As the historian David McCullough notes in "The Path Between the Seas," the nine-mile cut was "the special wonder of the canal," a project so arduous and deadly that it amounted to a seven-year battle, consuming more than 61 million pounds of dynamite, a "greater amount of explosive energy than had been expended in all the nation's wars".

The New York Times - Travel

At the end of the day, the bauxite mining crisis that has made life so arduous for the residents of Pahang is the result of China's seemingly insatiable - at least until recently -- thirst for commodities.

Huffington Post

Carla Greeb, a Brazilian citizen who moved to the United States in 2000, said the process of getting her green card was so arduous — it took three years — that she never again wants to set foot in 26 Federal Plaza, the Manhattan office of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so arduous that" when you want to emphasize the extreme difficulty of something and its direct consequences. It's effective for conveying a sense of struggle or hardship.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "so arduous that" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "so hard that" or "so difficult that" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so arduous that" functions as a conjunction phrase. It connects the description of something being extremely difficult or laborious (arduous) with the consequence or result of that difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so arduous that" is a grammatically correct and relatively common construction used to emphasize the extreme difficulty of something and its consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register and is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using "so arduous that", consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone. If aiming for a more casual tone, simpler alternatives like "so difficult that" may be more appropriate. Remember that while "arduous" and "difficult" are similar, "arduous" emphasizes sustained effort and challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so difficult that

Replaces "arduous" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same structure and meaning.

so challenging that

Substitutes "arduous" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the task or situation.

so demanding that

Replaces "arduous" with "demanding", highlighting the high requirements of the situation.

so grueling that

Highlights the exhausting nature of the task or situation, using "grueling" as a substitute.

such a struggle that

Uses a different structure to convey the difficulty, focusing on the struggle involved.

a process so rigorous that

Replaces arduous with rigorous emphasizing the level of intensity of the task or process.

so laborious that

Uses a more formal synonym for "arduous", focusing on the effort required.

so taxing that

Emphasizes the draining effect of the difficulty, using "taxing" as a substitute.

a task so strenuous that

Replaces arduous with strenuous.

to such an extent that it was arduous

Restructures the phrase to emphasize the degree of difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "so arduous that" in a sentence?

Use "so arduous that" to describe something extremely difficult leading to a particular outcome. For example, "The climb was so arduous that many hikers turned back."

What are some alternatives to "so arduous that"?

You can use alternatives like "so difficult that", "so challenging that", or "such a struggle that" depending on the specific context.

Is "so arduous that" formal or informal?

"So arduous that" is relatively formal. Simpler phrases like "so hard that" or "so tough that" are more appropriate for informal situations. Using these options maintains clarity while avoiding overly elevated language.

What makes "so arduous that" different from "so difficult that"?

While similar, "arduous" implies a greater degree of effort and persistence than "difficult". "So arduous that" emphasizes the sustained effort required and the challenges faced, whereas "so difficult that" simply highlights the level of difficulty.