What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
arduous
Example
Climbing Mount Everest is an arduous journey that requires months of training. [arduous: adjective]
Example
She found the arduous process of writing a research paper to be quite challenging. [arduous: adjective]
strenuous
Example
Running a marathon is a strenuous activity that tests your physical endurance. [strenuous: adjective]
Example
He felt exhausted after a strenuous workout at the gym. [strenuous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strenuous is more commonly used than arduous in everyday language. Strenuous is versatile and covers a wide range of physically demanding contexts, while arduous is less common and tends to be used more in formal or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between arduous and strenuous?
While arduous is typically associated with a more formal tone, strenuous is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe physically demanding tasks or activities.
