strenuous task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strenuous task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that requires a lot of effort, energy, or hard work. Example: "Completing the marathon was a strenuous task, but I felt accomplished afterward."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Obtaining optimal power flow solution is a strenuous task for any power system engineer.

ISA Transactions

It has been the lucrative but strenuous task of How to Spend It to fulfil these contradictory needs.

The Guardian

Additionally, addressing sexual abuse is a strenuous task because its keystone, as Mr. Crocquet wrote in his introduction, is secrecy.

The New York Times

Lawyers for the Rustic Inn argued that the restaurant was trying to protect pregnant women from the strenuous task of lifting heavy trays.

The New York Times

Drilling overhead into concrete or metal ceilings is a strenuous task done by construction workers to hang ductwork, piping, and electrical equipment.

Journal of Safety Research

50 Bardwell Road, Oxford, 01865 552 746; cherwellboathouse.co.uk Watch others messing about on the river – punts really do pass by – while you try the less strenuous task of enjoying lunch, with a few luxurious modernist touches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Heart attacks and rhythm disturbances have killed athletes during play and elderly people engaged in strenuous tasks like shoveling snow.

The New York Times

In the delta older women in long black robes, younger ones in more colourful cottons, and children over age 6 help with the less strenuous tasks.

Britannica

These day workers performed hugely strenuous tasks — cleaning floors and windows by hand, washing many loads of laundry — and were typically paid very little for their labors.

The New Yorker

Down the hall, Mr. Eidelberg writes, men would "prepare the clay, grind the glazes, stoke the kiln and perform the other requisite, strenuous tasks forbidden to the women".

The New York Times - Arts

Example application areas include restoring the mobility of patients with gait deficits, assisting those with upper extremity weakness to perform activities of daily living and reducing the risk of injury for those performing physically strenuous tasks.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "strenuous task", be specific about what makes it so. Instead of simply stating that a task is strenuous, elaborate on the physical, mental, or emotional demands it places on the individual or team involved. For example, describe the duration, intensity, or complexity of the task.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "strenuous task" as a generic descriptor. Without specific details, it can sound vague and uninformative. Always provide context to illustrate why the task is considered strenuous and what challenges it presents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strenuous task" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes an activity requiring considerable effort. It modifies the noun "task" to indicate the demanding nature of the activity. Ludwig's examples show it is used to describe both physical and mental efforts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strenuous task" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe activities requiring significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately portrays activities demanding considerable energy, whether physical or mental. Predominantly found in science, news, and business contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone. For enhanced writing, specify the exact reasons a task is strenuous instead of vaguely labeling it. Consider using alternatives like "arduous undertaking" or "demanding job" to add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking" and "strenuous" with "arduous", emphasizing the challenging nature of the activity.

demanding job

Substitutes "task" with "job" and "strenuous" with "demanding", highlighting the high requirements and effort involved.

challenging assignment

Replaces "task" with "assignment" and "strenuous" with "challenging", focusing on the difficulty and complexity of the work.

laborious endeavor

Substitutes "task" with "endeavor" and "strenuous" with "laborious", emphasizing the effort and hard work required.

grueling activity

Replaces "task" with "activity" and "strenuous" with "grueling", stressing the exhausting and physically demanding nature of the activity.

taxing effort

Replaces "task" with "effort" and "strenuous" with "taxing", emphasizing the demanding and draining nature of the work.

tiresome chore

Replaces "task" with "chore" and "strenuous" with "tiresome", focusing on the wearying and repetitive nature of the work.

exacting work

Substitutes "task" with "work" and "strenuous" with "exacting", highlighting the need for precision and high standards.

difficult feat

Replaces "task" with "feat" and "strenuous" with "difficult", emphasizing the accomplishment against the odds.

heavy burden

Replaces "task" with "burden" and "strenuous" with "heavy", conveying the sense of a task that is emotionally or physically weighing one down.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "strenuous task" in a sentence?

Use "strenuous task" to describe activities requiring significant effort, providing context on the nature and intensity of the exertion involved. For example, "Completing the project on time proved to be a "strenuous task" due to the tight deadline and limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "strenuous task"?

You can use alternatives like "arduous undertaking", "demanding job", or "challenging assignment" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very strenuous task"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very strenuous task" can be redundant. "Strenuous" already implies a high degree of effort, so using intensifiers like "very" may not add significant meaning. Consider using a more descriptive adjective or elaborating on the task's challenges instead.

What makes "strenuous task" different from "difficult task"?

While both imply challenges, "difficult task" generally refers to a task that is hard to accomplish due to complexity or skill requirements. A ""strenuous task"", on the other hand, emphasizes the high level of effort, energy, or physical exertion required, regardless of its inherent difficulty.