very strenuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very strenuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an activity or task that requires a lot of physical or mental effort. Example: "The hike was very strenuous, leaving us exhausted by the time we reached the summit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The work is very strenuous.

The New York Times

"I could tell he was going through some very strenuous things.

The New York Times - Arts

Lytle reflected, "What I do is a backslap shuffle-beat and it is very strenuous.

Independent

I wouldn't be hounded for what was in effect an accident under very strenuous circumstances.

The Guardian

The two men have to row, which proves to be a very strenuous job.

The New Yorker

It's very strenuous, and I think I got a lot of strength and speed from it.

The New York Times - Sports

"We still have a very strenuous test, but it is not like the one Mr. McCabe took," Mr. Turso said.

The New York Times

The worry of providing for children can make going through a business lull or experiencing financial difficulties very strenuous.

The Guardian

"Twenty-one dollars for a seven-day MetroCard is very strenuous on a person that's making minimum wage".

The New York Times

"Our data shows a wide range of time for women to complete their healing after a very strenuous birth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Overhead and underground line work in the electric power industry is physically very strenuous and can expose workers to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in the upper extremity.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical activities, use "very strenuous" to convey a high level of exertion and effort required. For emotional or mental challenges, consider alternatives like "highly taxing" or "extremely demanding" to better capture the nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "very strenuous" to describe situations that are emotionally or mentally challenging without a significant physical component. Phrases like "emotionally taxing" or "mentally draining" may be more appropriate and accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very strenuous" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the intensity or demanding nature of an activity, task, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very strenuous" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that effectively conveys a high degree of effort or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that it's valid. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Scientific and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, writers should consider alternative phrases like "extremely demanding" or "highly taxing" to better suit the specific context. Remember to use "very strenuous" judiciously, especially in situations that primarily involve mental or emotional strain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely demanding

Emphasizes the high level of requirements or expectations involved.

highly taxing

Focuses on the depleting effect of the activity on one's resources.

intensely rigorous

Highlights the strict and challenging nature of the task or activity.

exceptionally arduous

Stresses the difficulty and laboriousness involved.

remarkably challenging

Emphasizes the difficulty while also implying a sense of overcoming it.

particularly grueling

Highlights the exhausting and physically demanding aspect.

quite exhausting

Directly points out the depleting effect on one's energy.

terribly demanding

Similar to "extremely demanding" but carries a slightly stronger negative connotation.

incredibly taxing

Emphasizes the burden or strain placed on one's resources.

unusually exhausting

Highlights the abnormal level of depletion of energy.

FAQs

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

"Very strenuous" is used to describe activities or tasks that require significant effort or exertion. For example, "The hike to the summit was a "very strenuous" climb" or "The negotiations were "very strenuous", requiring long hours and intense focus."

What are some alternatives to "very strenuous"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extremely demanding", "highly taxing", or "intensely rigorous". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "very strenuous"?

Use "very strenuous" when describing something that requires a great deal of effort, energy, or exertion. This could apply to physical activities like sports or manual labor, as well as mental tasks that demand intense focus and concentration.

Is "very strenuous" formal or informal?

The phrase "very strenuous" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might opt for a more sophisticated alternative like "exceptionally arduous" or "remarkably challenging".