very arduous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very arduous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or activity that is extremely difficult or requires a lot of effort. Example: "The journey through the mountains was very arduous, testing the limits of our endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It's very arduous work".

The Guardian - Opinion

Hence, finding the optimal apodization is a very arduous process.

Ultrasonics

So these work requirements can be very arduous for people.

University of California, Berkeley

So it was a very arduous process, it was very heavy going.

Independent

"They're all working in very arduous conditions and doing very, very hard work," he said.

The Guardian

"We rarely find a musician who doesn't follow a very arduous exercise and rehabilitation program".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It was a very laborious and arduous process, but we have done everything by the book," Mr. Pace said.

The New York Times

"I still think we have a very long, arduous journey ahead of us".

The New York Times

Click here to view video Romancing the Stone had been a very muddy, arduous shoot, so Back to the Future was simple by comparison – most of it was shot on the lot at Universal, or in neighbourhoods in Pasadena.

The Guardian - Film

"I think it's very hard for most of us to comprehend what an arduous schedule and lifestyle long-distance truck drivers have," she said.

Huffington Post

He may not be able to do so now since his concert schedule is itself if not arduous, then very very full.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very arduous" to clearly convey the demanding nature of a task, process, or experience. It's particularly effective when you want to emphasize the sustained effort and potential challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid using "very arduous" to describe tasks that are merely inconvenient or slightly difficult. Save it for situations that genuinely require significant effort and endurance to maintain the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very arduous" functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, emphasizing the high degree of difficulty or effort associated with it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very arduous" is a valid and commonly used phrase to describe something exceptionally difficult and demanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is found across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, and serves to emphasize the significant effort, persistence, and potential challenges involved. While "arduous" already implies difficulty, "very arduous" amplifies this quality. It's important to reserve this phrase for situations that truly warrant such emphasis to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "extremely difficult" or "incredibly demanding" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Top sources that use the phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely difficult

Focuses more directly on the level of difficulty.

highly challenging

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the task.

incredibly demanding

Highlights the significant requirements and expectations involved.

exceptionally taxing

Stresses the depleting effect on one's resources or energy.

particularly grueling

Emphasizes the exhausting and often painful nature of the experience.

quite laborious

Highlights the effort and time-consuming aspect.

seriously burdensome

Focuses on the heavy load and potential stress imposed.

terribly strenuous

Emphasizes the physical or mental exertion required.

exceedingly toilsome

Highlights the tiring and prolonged effort.

remarkably tough

A more general term indicating significant difficulty and resilience needed.

FAQs

How can I use "very arduous" in a sentence?

You can use "very arduous" to describe tasks or journeys that are exceptionally difficult and require sustained effort. For example, "The research process was "very arduous", involving countless hours of data collection and analysis".

What are some alternatives to "very arduous"?

Alternatives include "extremely difficult", "highly challenging", or "incredibly demanding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very arduous" since "arduous" already implies difficulty?

While "arduous" does imply difficulty, using "very arduous" can be effective for emphasis, particularly when you want to highlight the exceptional level of effort or challenge involved. The AI, Ludwig, confirms that this usage is correct.

What's the difference between "arduous" and "challenging"?

"Arduous" typically implies a long and difficult process requiring significant effort and endurance, while "challenging" suggests something that tests one's abilities and requires problem-solving skills. A task can be both "arduous" and "challenging", but they emphasize different aspects of the task.