Are you looking for the perfect word to describe an extremely demanding or challenging task or experience? Look no further! The word “gruelling” is precisely what you need. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover how to say “gruelling” in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll also include some helpful tips, examples, and potential regional variations. So let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Gruelling”
When it comes to expressing intensity in a formal setting, you may want to consider using alternatives to the word “gruelling.” These words will help you maintain a professional tone while still conveying the same level of difficulty. Here are a few options:
- Arduous: This term signifies a task that requires great effort, physical or mental, often involving long and challenging endeavors. For example, “The expedition through the treacherous mountains was an arduous journey.”
- Onerous: When a task is burdensome or oppressive, “onerous” comes into play. It suggests an overwhelming heaviness that accompanies the challenge. For instance, “The workload for this project is onerous, requiring endless hours of meticulous research and analysis.”
- Tedious: When a task is repetitive or monotonous, “tedious” aptly describes it. It often suggests a sense of boredom or frustration. For instance, “Proofreading the lengthy legal document was a tedious job that required extreme attention to detail.”
Informal Ways to Say “Gruelling”
If you are in a more relaxed or informal setting and want to express the same intensity, using informal synonyms can be more appropriate. Here are some alternatives to “gruelling” that have a casual tone without compromising the meaning:
- Backbreaking: This colloquial term emphasizes the physical effort and strain involved in a task. For example, “Moving the heavy furniture up the stairs was a backbreaking job, leaving us exhausted.”
- Draining: When something is mentally or emotionally exhausting, “draining” is a great choice. It indicates the feeling of being completely depleted after enduring a challenging experience. For instance, “Working on the presentation all night was mentally draining, but it paid off in the end.”
- Killer: This slang term conveys a sense of extreme difficulty or intensity. It is often used to describe tasks or experiences that are particularly demanding or taxing. For instance, “The final exam was killer; there were so many complex questions that required in-depth knowledge.”
Regional Variations
The variations in how to say “gruelling” across different regions are quite minimal. However, it’s worth mentioning a couple of instances where you might encounter slight differences:
- In British English, you may come across the word “tough” as a replacement for “gruelling.” This term conveys the same meaning, indicating a task or experience that requires a significant amount of effort and endurance. For example, “The football match was tough, with both teams exhibiting great skill and determination.”
- In certain parts of North America, including Canada, you may find the word “strenuous” used frequently. It expresses a challenging activity that requires considerable effort. For instance, “The hike up the steep mountain trail was strenuous, but the breathtaking view from the top made it worth it.”
Tip: When selecting an alternative for the word “gruelling,” consider the context and the audience. Tailoring your choice to match the appropriate formality and familiar slang can enhance communication and connection.
So there you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to say “gruelling.” We explored formal and informal alternatives, provided examples, and touched on potential regional variations. Remember to choose your words wisely, as they have the power to accurately convey the intensity of an experience. Whether you opt for a formal expression or a more casual phrase, the goal remains the same: to effectively communicate the demanding nature of the task or experience at hand.
