was exceptionally arduous

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not all supererogatory acts of beneficence or benevolent dispositions are exceptionally arduous, costly, or risky.

SEP

If we fully recognise something to be exceptionally arduous, we don't panic when our first efforts are weak and progress slow.

HuffPost

"He was exceptionally generous".

The New York Times

That was exceptionally freeing".

The Guardian - Books

Thatcher was exceptionally lucky.

The Guardian

Everyone was exceptionally friendly.

The Guardian

I was exceptionally sensitive.

The New Yorker

Princeton was exceptionally fortunate.

Princeton University

He himself was exceptionally charismatic.

The New York Times - Arts

He was exceptionally self-confident.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Whichbout Is Cambodia's Sleaziest Bar.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was exceptionally arduous", ensure the context clearly establishes what "was" refers to. This phrase is best suited for describing specific tasks or journeys where the difficulty is a key aspect of the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "was exceptionally arduous" for tasks that are only mildly challenging. Save it for situations that genuinely involve significant difficulty, prolonged effort, or considerable adversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was exceptionally arduous" functions as a descriptive phrase, using an adverb ("exceptionally") to intensify an adjective ("arduous"). Ludwig examples demonstrate it describes tasks or experiences. According to Ludwig AI it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was exceptionally arduous" is a grammatically correct way to describe something very difficult or demanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While "arduous" can lend a slightly formal tone, the phrase appears across multiple contexts, including news and scientific sources. Less frequent alternatives such as "was extraordinarily difficult" or "was incredibly demanding" may provide similar meaning with less formality. Ensure the context warrants the intensity of the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was extraordinarily difficult

Replaces "exceptionally arduous" with simpler, more common synonyms for intensity and difficulty.

was remarkably challenging

Substitutes "arduous" with "challenging" and "exceptionally" with "remarkably" to denote a high degree of difficulty.

was incredibly demanding

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the task or situation, replacing "arduous" with a focus on the effort required.

was extremely taxing

Highlights the draining or burdensome aspect, using "taxing" as an alternative to "arduous".

was particularly grueling

Replaces "exceptionally arduous" with an alternative that emphasizes the exhausting nature of the task.

was intensely laborious

Focuses on the effort and labor involved, using "laborious" as a synonym for "arduous".

was a truly herculean effort

Employs a metaphorical comparison to the strength of Hercules to highlight the immense effort required.

presented formidable difficulties

Shifts the focus to the difficulties themselves, rather than the experience of arduousness.

was fraught with hardship

Highlights the presence of hardship and adversity throughout the experience.

tested the limits of endurance

Focuses on the extreme demands placed on one's ability to withstand difficulty.

FAQs

What does "was exceptionally arduous" mean?

The phrase "was exceptionally arduous" means something was extremely difficult, strenuous, or demanding. It implies a high degree of effort and perseverance were required.

What can I say instead of "was exceptionally arduous"?

You can use alternatives like "was extraordinarily difficult", "was incredibly demanding", or "was particularly grueling" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was exceptionally arduous"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and understandable. However, due to its infrequent use, it may sound slightly formal or overly descriptive in some contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

How can I make the phrase "was exceptionally arduous" sound less formal?

Consider using simpler alternatives such as "was really tough" or "was super challenging" to convey a similar meaning in a more relaxed and informal tone. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI.