very demanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very demanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that requires a lot of effort or is difficult to do. For example, "The project was very demanding, taking up days of intense work and research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was very demanding.

The New York Times

He's very demanding.

Independent

I think we're very demanding.

The New York Times

"They are very demanding.

The New York Times - Health

It's physically very demanding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed the MBA has been very demanding.

The Economist

"Our way of life is very demanding.

The New Yorker

"James's behaviour was very demanding.

The Guardian

The passengers are very demanding.

The Guardian

It's very physical, very demanding.

The Guardian - Sport

The work is very demanding.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very demanding", consider the specific aspect of demand you want to emphasize: is it about effort, precision, or difficulty? Choose synonyms or related phrases that reflect that nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "very demanding" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify what is demanding about the situation or task. For example, instead of saying "The job is very demanding", say "The job is very demanding due to its long hours and high-pressure environment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very demanding" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to describe something that requires significant effort, resources, or has high expectations. Examples from Ludwig show it describing people, tasks, and situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very demanding" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that describes something requiring significant effort or having high expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While versatile, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and explore synonyms such as "exacting", "rigorous", or "strenuous" for greater precision. This phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media sources, followed by Science and Wiki, making it suitable for diverse writing styles while maintaining a neutral tone. When employing "very demanding", ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness and maximize clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly exacting

Focuses on precision and adherence to strict standards, implying a meticulous level of demand.

extremely challenging

Highlights the difficulty and the need for significant effort to overcome obstacles.

quite rigorous

Emphasizes the thoroughness and strictness of the requirements.

really taxing

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

particularly arduous

Stresses the strenuous and laborious nature of the task or situation.

intensely rigorous

Like "quite rigorous" it stresses the thoroughness and strictness of the requirements, but adds a degree of intensity.

incredibly strenuous

Stresses the physical or mental effort that is involved.

seriously testing

Highlights the evaluation or trial of one's abilities or endurance.

exceedingly difficult

Directly states the high level of difficulty involved.

exceptionally onerous

Emphasizes the burdensome and oppressive nature of the demands.

FAQs

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

You can use "very demanding" to describe tasks, people, or situations that require a lot of effort or have high expectations. For example, "The training schedule was "highly demanding"" or "She's a "very exacting" client who requires constant attention".

What are some alternatives to "very demanding"?

Some alternatives include "highly challenging", "extremely rigorous", "particularly arduous", or "especially strenuous", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "very demanding"?

While not strictly redundant, "very demanding" can sometimes be replaced with a single, more descriptive word. Consider stronger adjectives like "exacting", "rigorous", or "strenuous" to make your writing more concise.

What's the difference between "very demanding" and "quite challenging"?

"Very demanding" emphasizes the amount of effort or the high expectations involved, while "quite challenging" highlights the difficulty in achieving a goal. While both suggest difficulty, "quite challenging" focuses more on the obstacle itself.