tedious business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tedious business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or situation that is boring, repetitive, or requires a lot of effort without much reward. Example: "The paperwork for the project turned out to be a tedious business, taking up most of my day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

American soldiers are going through the tedious business of questioning members of the German army.

The New Yorker

Inevitably, whaling is a protracted, tedious business of endless searching of a blank sea and then bursts of intense activity.

The Guardian

But, from there on in, it is anti-climactic with a lot of laborious and frankly tedious business with latchkeys.

The Guardian - Film

For all his political posturing, however, Helms repeatedly showed himself inept at the tedious business of shepherding legislation through Congress.

The Guardian

ENTERING India from Pakistan at the Wagah border, in Punjab the only way across in the absence of direct air links until this January is a tedious business.

The Economist

Contracting out to machines the tedious business of assessing the dangerousness of cancer cells in histological microscope slides ought thus to be an obvious thing to do.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Listening to interviews with new bands on the radio can become a tedious old business.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Just when Franklin is getting becalmed in diplomatic squabbles, say, or running a tedious printing business in a provincial city, he writes about farts or invents bifocals.

The New Yorker

But seeing her bicker and bond with Luc, it's possible to imagine an alternate ending that leaves all the tedious unfinished business with Decker and Harrison in New York far behind, Homer be damned.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even if Club Concorde succeeds, they still have to fuel the plane, maintain it, house it, insure it, hire a crew, and have all the other tedious background business deals that make our world go 'round be finalized.

Huffington Post

"How tedious the whole business has become".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tedious business", consider whether a more specific descriptor would enhance clarity. For example, instead of 'the tedious business of data entry', specify 'the repetitive task of data entry'.

Common error

Avoid using "tedious business" in very informal or casual conversations. Opt for simpler language like 'boring task' or 'long process' to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tedious business" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe activities or tasks considered boring and repetitive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tedious business" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe tasks that are boring, repetitive, and require significant effort without much reward. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While "tedious business" is widely applicable, consider using more specific descriptors for clarity and avoid overuse in very informal settings. Alternatives such as "monotonous task" or "laborious undertaking" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monotonous task

Focuses on the repetitive and unchanging nature of the activity.

laborious undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and hard work involved, often implying difficulty.

dull chore

Highlights the boring and routine aspect of the activity, often domestic in nature.

tiresome affair

Indicates that the activity is exhausting and causes weariness.

wearying enterprise

Similar to 'tiresome affair' but suggests a more prolonged or complex activity.

mind-numbing activity

Emphasizes the lack of intellectual stimulation and potential for boredom.

unexciting endeavor

Directly states that the activity lacks excitement or interest.

irksome duty

Suggests that the activity is annoying and causes irritation.

grueling exercise

Implies that the task is not only tedious, but also physically or mentally demanding.

trying obligation

Conveys that the task is difficult to endure and puts one's patience to the test.

FAQs

How can I replace "tedious business" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives such as "monotonous task", "laborious undertaking", or "dull chore" depending on the specific context.

What makes something a "tedious business"?

A "tedious business" is typically characterized by being time-consuming, repetitive, and lacking in excitement or intellectual stimulation. It often involves a great deal of effort for minimal reward.

Is "tedious business" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "tedious business" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing processes or tasks in business, academic, or news contexts. However, consider more precise language if available.

What is the difference between "tedious business" and "wearying enterprise"?

"Tedious business" generally refers to a boring and repetitive activity, while "wearying enterprise" implies that the activity is exhausting and prolonged, causing fatigue.