strenuous life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strenuous life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lifestyle that is demanding, challenging, or requires significant effort and energy. Example: "He believes in living a strenuous life, filled with adventure and hard work, rather than taking the easy path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

None of this prevented Kennedy from undertaking a strenuous life in politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Roosevelt, an exponent of "the strenuous life," loved football, for its machismo and for bringing a manly man activity to college campuses.

The New York Times

He adopted "the strenuous life," as he entitled his 1901 book, as his ideal, both as an outdoorsman and as a politician.

Encyclopedia Britannica

THEODORE "TEDDY" ROOSEVELT, soldier, president and outdoorsman, once summed up his vision for America as a "doctrine of the strenuous life".

The Economist

A leading advocate of the "strenuous life" was America's 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, who had overcome childhood sicknesses by hardening his body through riding, shooting, boxing, and wrestling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Lasch won (for his essay "The Strenuous Life: Roosevelt, Beveridge and Lodge"), and Updike finished second (for his analysis "Herrick's Echoes of Horace").

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

All the patients and controls were city dwellers; majority of them were office workers or housewives and connected to non-strenuous life style with minimal aerobic exercise during the day.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

In 1900 Roosevelt entered Harvard University, where he spent most of his time on extracurricular activities and a strenuous social life; his academic record was undistinguished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"For someone with such a strenuous professional life, he took part in a huge number of charitable events," Ms. Francke said.

The New York Times

"You may perhaps find some compensation for living in Cambridge in the excellent opportunities it affords for a strenuous intellectual life; it is a great advantage too that there should be so many young men from who to choose suitable and worthy companions".

The Guardian

But in the mid-1950s he found himself leading a strenuous double-life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone who embraces challenges and hard work, use "strenuous life" to evoke Theodore Roosevelt's philosophy and the idea of a life filled with purpose and vigor.

Common error

While "strenuous life" is a powerful phrase, be mindful of its historical context and potential to sound old-fashioned in contemporary writing. Consider whether a more modern alternative like "challenging lifestyle" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strenuous life" functions as a noun phrase, where "strenuous" modifies "life". The phrase typically acts as a descriptor of a particular lifestyle or philosophy, as shown by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

37%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strenuous life" describes a lifestyle characterized by hard work, challenges, and a commitment to personal and national betterment. Made popular by Theodore Roosevelt, the phrase evokes a sense of vigor and purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it may sound somewhat old-fashioned in modern contexts, the phrase remains relevant, particularly when discussing historical or philosophical themes. Alternatives such as "challenging lifestyle" or "demanding existence" may be more appropriate in contemporary writing. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media and Encyclopedias, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging existence

Replaces "strenuous" with "challenging" and "life" with "existence", emphasizing difficulty.

demanding lifestyle

Substitutes "strenuous" with "demanding" and "life" with "lifestyle", focusing on the rigorous nature of the way someone lives.

arduous journey

Emphasizes the difficulty and length of a life treated as a long and hard experience.

difficult path

Focuses on the hardships and obstacles encountered in life.

rigorous routine

Highlights the strict and disciplined aspects of a strenuous life.

exacting vocation

Implies a life centered around a demanding and precise career or calling.

laborious undertaking

Suggests a life filled with hard work and effort.

trying ordeal

Highlights the testing and difficult nature of life.

taxing pilgrimage

Portrays life as a demanding journey requiring significant effort.

strenuous endeavor

Focuses on the effort required for a particular undertaking in life.

FAQs

How is "strenuous life" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "strenuous life" is often used to describe a life full of physical and mental challenges, or to invoke Theodore Roosevelt's philosophy of embracing hard work and personal growth. For instance, one might say, "He chose to live a "strenuous life", pushing his limits every day."

What are some alternatives to "strenuous life"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "challenging lifestyle", "demanding existence", or "arduous journey" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "strenuous life" still relevant in modern English?

Yes, "strenuous life" is still relevant, though it carries a slightly old-fashioned connotation due to its association with Theodore Roosevelt. It effectively conveys a life characterized by intense effort and challenge. However, it's wise to consider if more contemporary phrases might better suit your audience.

What is the origin of the phrase "strenuous life"?

The phrase "strenuous life" is most famously associated with Theodore Roosevelt, who used it to advocate for a life of vigorous activity, both physical and mental, and a commitment to public service. He believed that embracing challenges was essential for personal and national greatness.