strenuous practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strenuous practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a demanding or physically challenging training session or rehearsal, often in the context of sports, music, or other performance arts. Example: "The athletes engaged in strenuous practice to prepare for the upcoming competition, pushing their limits to improve their performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

After a strenuous practice before the 2010 season, pain shot through her abdomen.

The New York Times - Sports

After going through a strenuous practice on Saturday, Camby, who has an injured left heel, could not practice today.

The New York Times - Sports

Without it, all those hours of strenuous practice will fall short — probably far short — of the spark that creates genius.

The New York Times

While not for the weak-kneed -- from katas to kowtowing, all the kneeling, squatting and springing could challenge a cheerleader -- iaido suits students seeking less strenuous practice, Mr. Kataoka said.

The New York Times

"Rather, such learning and expertise is a response to strenuous practice".

Science Magazine

Sickle cell trait should also be considered a possible contributing clinical risk/complicating factor for vascular dysfunction, exertional rhabdomyolysis and collapse related to red blood cell sickling during strenuous practice or play in the heat 34 36; although this has not been reported or explored in tennis either.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Although he maintains friendly relations with the players, Robinson put them through unusually long and strenuous practices before the current playoffs opened against Florida.

The New York Times - Sports

When he took over the Rams in 1997 after seven straight losing seasons, Vermeil ran long, strenuous practices in pads for his first two years.

The New York Times - Sports

Driven and uncompromising, Summitt demanded the best from her players and was known for her strenuous practices and the legendary "look" that would send athletes for cover.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As for Gardner, Girardi said he expected him to take more strenuous batting practice in the next few days, with the hope of activating him for the series in Toronto that begins Thursday.

The New York Times

After months of disciplined, strenuous dance practice and performance -- and for many, a huge physical transformation as they lose up to 25 pounds of weight -- the show has been a career motivator and transformer.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical activities, use "strenuous practice" to emphasize the high level of effort and exertion involved. It can also be used to refer to a demanding rehearsal or training session.

Common error

Avoid using "strenuous practice" when describing purely mental or academic efforts. While learning can be challenging, "strenuous" typically implies physical exertion. Instead, consider using terms like "intensive study", "rigorous analysis", or "demanding coursework" for mental tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strenuous practice" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. It modifies a noun ("practice") with an adjective ("strenuous") indicating the demanding or physically taxing nature of the practice. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts like sports training and dance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strenuous practice" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to depict demanding physical activities or training regimens. With support from Ludwig, the phrase's neutral to professional tone positions it well for use in a range of media, scientific, and general contexts. While not as prevalent as simpler alternatives, "strenuous practice" effectively communicates a significant degree of physical exertion. Remember to use it appropriately in contexts where physical effort is indeed emphasized, rather than for purely mental activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigorous training

Focuses on the discipline and thoroughness of the training.

intense training

Highlights the high level of effort and concentration involved.

demanding rehearsal

Emphasizes the high requirements and difficulty of the rehearsal.

arduous workout

Stresses the physical hardship and laboriousness of the workout.

challenging exercise

Highlights the difficulty and the need for effort in the exercise.

grueling drill

Emphasizes the severity and exhaustiveness of the drill.

vigorous workout

Focuses on the energetic and forceful nature of the workout.

laborious training

Highlights the effort and hard work required in the training.

taxing exercise

Emphasizes the draining and demanding nature of the exercise.

exacting practice

Focuses on the precision and strictness required in the practice.

FAQs

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

You can use "strenuous practice" to describe a demanding physical activity, such as, "The athletes underwent "strenuous practice" to prepare for the competition."

What are some alternatives to "strenuous practice"?

Alternatives include "rigorous training", "intense training", or "demanding rehearsal", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "strenuous practice" to describe mental or academic effort?

While "strenuous" implies a high degree of effort, it is typically used for physical exertion. For mental or academic efforts, consider using alternatives like "intensive study" or "rigorous analysis".

What distinguishes "strenuous practice" from "hard practice"?

"Hard practice" indicates a difficult or challenging session, while "strenuous practice" specifically emphasizes the high level of physical exertion and effort required. "Strenuous" suggests a more physically demanding experience.