sounds tedious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sounds tedious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something appears to be boring or monotonous. Example: "The task of sorting through all these files sounds tedious, but it's necessary for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

If this sounds tedious and frustrating, it is.

The New York Times

Ms. Groves sounds tedious to them — and to us.

The New York Times - Arts

"It sounds tedious, but there's a lot you can learn from looking at floor boards".

The New Yorker

Similarly – and this I admit sounds tedious – it pays to check your till receipts, especially where special offers are concerned.

The Guardian - Money

Without it, romantics at odds with consensus will continue to have to choose between a big party and nowhere.The "Media Guide to the New Parliamentary Constituencies" sounds tedious.

The Economist

Just as important is the birth of a new concept of what is being delivered".Competency-based education" sounds tedious but reverses most of the basic tenets of academic teaching.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Does this sound tedious?

The New York Times - Arts

The debate may sound tedious and even trivial.

The New York Times

Electoral commissions may sound tedious, but they are central to Ghana's success.

Independent

Of course, a summary of almost any show can make it sound tedious.

The Guardian

Darning tights and socks to extend their life may sound tedious (some friends looked on in disbelief) but it has become part of my regular weekend routine.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sounds tedious", consider the audience and context. In formal writing, opt for more precise synonyms like "laborious" or "monotonous" for clarity. For less formal communication, "sounds tedious" is perfectly acceptable.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "sounds tedious" in formal reports or academic papers. While grammatically sound, it may lack the precision required for such settings. Instead, consider more formal alternatives like "appears laborious" or "presents as monotonous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sounds tedious" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing that something gives the impression of being boring or laborious. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. The verb "sounds" connects the subject to the adjective "tedious", indicating a perceived quality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sounds tedious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey that something appears boring or laborious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted, with a neutral register that fits various contexts, including news and media. While suitable for everyday conversation, more formal settings might benefit from synonyms like "appears laborious" or "seems monotonous" to enhance precision. Remember to tailor your word choice to match the tone and audience. Common errors include overuse in very formal texts where a more precise term would fit better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems tiresome

Replaces "sounds" with "seems" and "tedious" with "tiresome", slightly altering the tone.

appears unexciting

Substitutes "sounds" with "appears" and "tedious" with "unexciting", focusing on the lack of stimulation.

comes across as dull

Uses "comes across as" to convey the impression and replaces "tedious" with "dull", emphasizing the lack of interest.

gives the impression of being monotonous

Expresses the idea of tediousness through "monotonous", indicating a lack of variety and excitement.

is perceived as laborious

Focuses on the effort involved by using "laborious" instead of "tedious", highlighting the hard work aspect.

presents itself as boring

Highlights the boring quality of something using "presents itself as".

rings of drudgery

Uses a more evocative phrase to suggest the tiresome and unpleasant nature of something.

has an air of tedium

Replaces the verb "sounds" with a noun phrase "air of tedium".

evokes a sense of ennui

Replaces the adjective with a noun, expressing a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

is suggestive of a grind

Uses more figurative language to compare something to a tedious and laborious task.

FAQs

What does "sounds tedious" mean?

The phrase "sounds tedious" means something appears to be boring, monotonous, or tiresome. It suggests that the activity or situation is uninteresting and likely to cause weariness.

How can I use "sounds tedious" in a sentence?

You can use "sounds tedious" to express your perception of a task or activity. For example: "Sorting through old documents sounds tedious", or "The instructions for assembling this furniture sounds tedious."

What can I say instead of "sounds tedious"?

You can use alternatives like "seems tiresome", "appears unexciting", or "comes across as dull" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sounds tedious" formal or informal?

"Sounds tedious" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, more precise synonyms like "laborious" or "monotonous" might be more appropriate.