strenuous journey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strenuous journey" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a difficult journey, either physical (such as a long road trip) or figurative (such as a difficult phase of life). For example: "Jack has been on a strenuous journey to realize his dream of becoming an entrepreneur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Last year he did a somewhat less strenuous journey, and his father tagged along for a few days.

The New York Times

He would only describe the strenuous journey to Highway 500, the road that used to assure players of getting there.

The New York Times - Sports

EDDINGTON, Me. — There is a bend in the Penobscot River here, embanked by an Indian burial ground, through which millions of fish used to make a strenuous journey upstream to spawn before returning to the sea.

The New York Times

She served real food at an enormously long table in the banquet scene to rejuvenate the audience on their strenuous journey up and down the stone staircases and arranged for them to find their repast interrupted by Banquo's ghost.

University of California, Berkeley

The sometimes strenuous journey of over two miles will follow a reflective-light network that will create a beautifully illuminated trail through the pinnacles and buttresses carved by glaciers during the largest ever mass-movement landslide in Britain.

The New York Times

The ritual included a long, strenuous journey to the mountaintops.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Luckily for those who enjoy meandering downhill from the City Hall or the Sé, the Romanesque cathedral, to the colorful riverside cafes of the Ribeira, or riverside, district but are daunted by the strenuous return journey, the city plans to rehabilitate an exhausted trolley service by the end of this year.

The New York Times - Travel

Many fans say Reva's strenuous though improbable journey inspired them to be better people.

The New York Times - Arts

No one says a word, leaving us to wonder whether the view is worth the strenuous, muck-filled journey.

The New York Times - Arts

These people had many reasons to embark on this strenuous year-long journey – economic crisis, and later gold strikes including the California Gold Rush, for example.

Wikipedia

This strenuous hike offers a journey through areas that many tourists never see.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a challenging experience, use "strenuous journey" to emphasize both the difficulty and the sense of progression and movement inherent in a journey. This conveys a sense of overcoming obstacles along a path.

Common error

While "strenuous journey" can effectively describe a difficult abstract process, avoid overusing it. Over-application can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "demanding process" or "challenging endeavor" to maintain variety and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strenuous journey" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "strenuous" modifies the noun "journey". It describes the characteristic of the journey, emphasizing its demanding nature. Ludwig shows the phrase's usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Science & Research

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strenuous journey" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively describes a journey that demands significant effort and endurance. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. While not overly common, it is well-understood and appropriate for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the demanding nature of the journey being described. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "arduous voyage" or "challenging trek" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous voyage

Replaces "journey" with "voyage", suggesting a longer or more significant trip, often by sea or through space.

difficult expedition

Substitutes "journey" with "expedition", implying a journey with a specific purpose, and "strenuous" with "difficult", a more general term for challenging.

challenging trek

Uses "trek" instead of "journey", suggesting a long and often difficult walk, and "challenging" as a synonym for "strenuous".

taxing pilgrimage

Replaces "journey" with "pilgrimage", suggesting a journey with religious or spiritual significance, and "strenuous" with "taxing", indicating a heavy burden.

laborious passage

Substitutes "journey" with "passage", often referring to a sea or air journey, and "strenuous" with "laborious", emphasizing the effort required.

grueling odyssey

Replaces "journey" with "odyssey", implying a long and eventful or adventurous journey, and "strenuous" with "grueling", indicating extreme exhaustion.

demanding quest

Substitutes "journey" with "quest", suggesting a journey in search of something, and "strenuous" with "demanding", emphasizing the high requirements.

tiresome trek

Replaces "strenuous" with "tiresome", focusing on the exhaustion caused by the journey, and "journey" with "trek".

arduous undertaking

Replaces "journey" with "undertaking", broadening the meaning to any effortful task, not just travel. Arduous is used as a synonym for strenuous.

tough assignment

Replaces "journey" with "assignment", which shifts the context to a specific task or mission that is difficult. Tough is used as a synonym for strenuous.

FAQs

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

You can use "strenuous journey" to describe a physically demanding trip, such as "The hikers embarked on a "strenuous journey" through the mountains". It can also refer to a challenging personal or professional experience, such as "Her recovery from the accident was a "strenuous journey"".

What are some synonyms for "strenuous journey"?

Alternatives to "strenuous journey" include phrases like "arduous voyage", "difficult expedition", or "challenging trek". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of difficulty you want to emphasize.

Is "strenuous journey" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "strenuous journey" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a demanding trip or experience. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall style and register of the piece.

What's the difference between "strenuous journey" and "difficult journey"?

"Strenuous journey" implies a journey that requires a lot of effort, energy, and stamina. "Difficult journey" is a more general term that refers to any journey that presents challenges or obstacles. A "strenuous journey" is always difficult, but a difficult journey isn't always strenuous; it could be difficult for other reasons, such as emotional or logistical challenges.