somewhat arduous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat arduous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or activity that is somewhat difficult or challenging, but not overwhelmingly so. Example: "The project was somewhat arduous, requiring long hours and intense focus, but ultimately rewarding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Fool's Gold" is somewhat arduous going for the lay reader.

The New York Times - Books

The journey was somewhat arduous, as the snow had wreaked havoc on the subway and trains.

The New Yorker

FlightFox's service works best for long, international or multi-city flights where piecing together the different legs of a journey, even with Kayak or Hipmunk's help for example, is still somewhat arduous for less regular flyers.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Being driven around in a somewhat clapped-out Vauxhall Corsa was decidedly less than she was used to, but she took on a fairly arduous schedule nonetheless.

The Guardian - Books

"It was pretty arduous," she said.

The New York Times

"It really was quite somewhat of an arduous task," he says.

Independent

Side-effects, still an issue for many users of the Pill, caused problems from the start; testing was arduous, somewhat haphazard, and had to be organised without any governmental support; opposition from religious interests was staunch and political backing limited.

Independent

We agree that the walk is somewhat difficult and more arduous than the tour of Mount Blanc, but it is well marked.

The New York Times - Travel

The fieldwork is arduous, if scenic, somewhat resembling a spy thriller set on a desert isle with an incongruous skyscraper backdrop, all winding paths lined with pink salt-spray roses and prickly-pear cactus in vivid yellow flower.

The New York Times

Maryland colleges largely pushed back on his proposed legislation, saying that doing the surveys would be "arduous," "difficult" and somewhat costly; that it would be "not necessarily as effective as we want it to be"; and that the colleges could handle this better internally, Cardin said.

Huffington Post

— far more arduous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "somewhat arduous". While grammatically correct, the word "arduous" might be unfamiliar to some readers, so opting for "slightly difficult" can be a suitable alternative in informal context.

Common error

While "arduous" is a valid word, using it too frequently, especially in casual conversation or informal writing, can make your language sound stilted or pretentious. Choose simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "challenging" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat arduous" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun by describing a quality (difficulty) to a certain degree. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and accepted construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat arduous" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is moderately difficult or challenging. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. While the word "arduous" leans toward formality, the phrase is suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news and media, to provide a nuanced description of effort required. Simpler alternatives like "moderately challenging" or "slightly difficult" exist for less formal situations. Overall, while being technically correct, you should consider that this phrase might not be suitable for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately challenging

Replaces "arduous" with "challenging" and "somewhat" with "moderately", softening the tone slightly.

a bit demanding

Uses "demanding" instead of "arduous", implying a high level of effort required.

slightly difficult

Substitutes "arduous" with the more common "difficult", making the phrase more accessible.

rather taxing

Employs "taxing" to convey the draining aspect of the task, with "rather" intensifying the description.

somewhat strenuous

Replaces "arduous" with "strenuous", focusing on the physical effort involved.

fairly laborious

Uses "laborious" to emphasize the effort and time required, with "fairly" indicating a moderate degree.

not exactly easy

A more informal way of expressing that something requires effort, downplaying the difficulty.

somewhat grinding

Emphasizes the monotonous and relentless nature of the task by using grinding.

a touch grueling

Expresses the demanding and exhausting nature of the activity using "grueling".

mildly onerous

Substitutes with the more formal and slightly less common word "onerous", suggesting a burden.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat arduous" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat arduous" to describe tasks or journeys that are challenging but not overwhelmingly so. For example: "The journey was "somewhat arduous", but the destination made it worthwhile."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat arduous"?

Alternatives to "somewhat arduous" include "moderately challenging", "slightly difficult", or "a bit demanding". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "somewhat arduous" or "very arduous"?

"Somewhat arduous" suggests a moderate level of difficulty, while "very arduous" indicates a significantly higher level. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intensity of the challenge you are describing.

Is "arduous" a formal word?

Yes, "arduous" is generally considered a more formal word. In less formal contexts, you might prefer simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "challenging". It depends on the target audience and the level of formality you are aiming for.