strenuous conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strenuous conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion that is intense, demanding, or requires significant effort, either mentally or emotionally. Example: "After a strenuous conversation about the project's future, the team felt exhausted but more united in their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In a prospectus for Leverkühn's String Quartet, Adorno called the first movement "a kind of conversation among four instruments"; Mann made it a "deep-thinking, intellectually strenuous conversation among four instruments taking counsel from each other".

The New Yorker

GPs saw the consultation as a strenuous conversation for the patients.

BMC Family Practice

This disconnect likely explains the "awkward" strain put on the physician-patient relationship, particularly when the subject of herbal cannabis is broached, with concerns that new regulations may further exacerbate this strenuous conversation [ 5].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They require a strenuous suspension of skepticism, along with a readiness to welcome the conversation of gruff blacksmiths pumping on bellows before they hammer out authentic 19th-century-style nails.

The New York Times - Arts

The picturesque and strenuous hike was peppered with mountain goat sightings and short conversations with hikers from everywhere, and eventually led to what seemed like an endless series of stone stairscases jutting into the sky.

HuffPost

Just as it's more strenuous to play singles than doubles in tennis, so it's harder to keep up a conversation when there are only two of you.

The Guardian - Opinion

Strenuous activities.

Columbia University

Strenuous yes.

The New York Times - Arts

The fight was strenuous.

The New Yorker

Activity level: Slightly strenuous.

Cornell University

Fitness scale: Slightly strenuous.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strenuous conversation" to describe discussions that demand significant mental or emotional effort. This implies the conversation is not just long, but also requires careful thought and consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "strenuous conversation" to describe any conversation that is simply long. The adjective "strenuous" implies a significant level of difficulty, effort, or mental exertion. A casual chat, even if lengthy, would not qualify.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strenuous conversation" functions as a noun phrase where "strenuous" modifies the noun "conversation". It describes a specific type of conversation characterized by significant effort or difficulty. Ludwig AI validates this usage through its examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strenuous conversation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe discussions that require considerable mental or emotional effort. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Although relatively rare in occurrence, it is found in reputable sources such as news media and scientific publications. When writing, remember that "strenuous" implies difficulty, effort or mental exertion, and use the phrase accordingly. Alternatives such as "demanding discussion" or "intense discussion" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demanding discussion

Replaces "strenuous" with "demanding", focusing on the effort required.

intense discussion

Replaces "strenuous" with "intense", highlighting the high degree of focus and energy.

difficult conversation

Replaces "strenuous" with "difficult", emphasizing the challenging nature of the exchange.

taxing conversation

Replaces "strenuous" with "taxing", focusing on the draining effect of the conversation.

arduous discussion

Replaces "strenuous" with "arduous", highlighting the laborious aspect of the conversation.

challenging dialogue

Replaces "conversation" with "dialogue" and "strenuous" with "challenging", offering a slightly more formal tone.

laborious exchange

Replaces "conversation" with "exchange" and "strenuous" with "laborious", emphasizing the effort involved in the communication.

vigorous debate

Replaces "conversation" with "debate" and "strenuous" with "vigorous", implying a more argumentative interaction.

mentally exhausting conversation

Adds "mentally exhausting" to specify the type of strain involved in the conversation.

deep-thinking conversation

Focuses on the intellectual demands of the conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "strenuous conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "strenuous conversation" to describe a discussion that requires significant mental or emotional effort. For example: "After a "strenuous conversation" about budget cuts, the committee reached a compromise."

What can I say instead of "strenuous conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "demanding discussion", "intense discussion", or "difficult conversation" depending on the context.

What makes a conversation "strenuous"?

A conversation is considered "strenuous" when it requires a significant amount of mental or emotional effort, often due to complex topics, conflicting viewpoints, or high stakes.

Is "strenuous conversation" a formal or informal expression?

"Strenuous conversation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in formal writing and speech due to its precise and somewhat sophisticated vocabulary.