Using the word “laborious” in a sentence can add depth and sophistication to your writing. This adjective, derived from the Latin word “laboriosus,” meaning “full of labor,” is often used to describe tasks or activities that require a lot of effort, time, and patience. In this article, we will explore the proper way to use “laborious” in a sentence and provide examples to help you understand its usage.
When incorporating “laborious” into your sentence, it is important to consider the context and ensure that it accurately conveys the intended meaning. This word is commonly used to describe tasks or processes that are time-consuming, arduous, or demanding. By using “laborious” effectively, you can elevate your writing and express the level of effort involved in a particular activity.
Now, let’s delve into the various ways you can use “laborious” in a sentence to enhance your communication.
Definition Of Laborious
Laborious, an adjective derived from the Latin word “laboriosus,” can be defined as requiring considerable effort and time to complete a task or achieve a goal. It characterizes activities that demand physical or mental exertion, often involving repetitive or tedious work.
In historical context, the concept of laboriousness has been intertwined with humanity’s pursuit of progress and civilization. From the earliest civilizations to the modern era, laboriousness has been an inherent part of human existence, shaping the way societies function and evolve.
Historical Evolution
The notion of laboriousness can be traced back to ancient times when manual labor was the primary means of survival. In agrarian societies, laborious tasks such as tilling the land, sowing seeds, and harvesting crops were essential for sustenance. These labor-intensive activities formed the backbone of early civilizations, enabling the growth of communities and the development of agricultural techniques.
During the industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, laboriousness took on a new dimension. With the rise of factories and mass production, work became increasingly mechanized. While this reduced the physical strain on individuals, it introduced new forms of laboriousness, such as monotonous assembly line work and long hours in hazardous conditions.
In the digital age, laboriousness has evolved once again. While physical exertion remains a part of certain occupations, mental labor has gained prominence. The demand for knowledge workers, who engage in complex problem-solving and critical thinking, has increased. This cognitive laboriousness requires intense concentration, meticulous analysis, and continuous learning.
Different Meanings In Different Contexts
The term “laborious” can have varying connotations depending on the context in which it is used. In general, it implies a sense of arduousness and difficulty. However, its precise meaning can differ based on the domain or subject matter being discussed.
In the realm of creative endeavors, such as writing or painting, laboriousness can be seen as a positive attribute. It suggests the dedication and painstaking effort put into producing a masterpiece. Artists, writers, and musicians often embrace the laborious nature of their craft, finding fulfillment in the process itself.
On the other hand, in the context of mundane tasks or repetitive administrative work, laboriousness can be seen as a burden. It denotes the wearisome nature of activities that offer little intellectual stimulation or personal satisfaction. Such tasks may be necessary but are often viewed as monotonous and time-consuming.
Moreover, in the field of academia or research, laboriousness is essential for rigorous investigation and the pursuit of knowledge. Scientific experiments, data analysis, and literature reviews require meticulous attention to detail and extensive effort. The laborious nature of these endeavors ensures the reliability and validity of research findings.
In conclusion, laborious can be defined as an adjective describing tasks that demand significant effort and time. Its historical evolution reflects the changing nature of work throughout human history. Different contexts give rise to different interpretations of laboriousness, ranging from a positive attribute in creative pursuits to a burdensome aspect of repetitive tasks. Understanding the multifaceted nature of laboriousness allows us to appreciate the dedication and perseverance required to accomplish challenging endeavors.
How To Properly Use Laborious In A Sentence
Laborious is an intriguing word that can add depth and complexity to your sentences. By understanding the grammatical rules surrounding laborious, you can effectively incorporate it into your writing. Let’s explore how to use laborious in a sentence with precision and clarity.
Grammatical Rules
When using laborious in a sentence, it is essential to pay attention to subject-verb agreement. As an adjective, laborious modifies a noun, describing something that requires considerable effort and time to complete. Therefore, it should be used to describe a singular noun, such as “task,” “process,” or “project.”
For example:
- The laborious task of writing a research paper consumed her entire weekend.
- He found the laborious process of learning a new language to be both challenging and rewarding.
- The team faced a laborious project that demanded meticulous attention to detail.
It is important to note that laborious is not commonly used as a verb or a noun. However, it can be transformed into a noun by adding the suffix “-ness,” as in “laboriousness,” to convey the quality or state of being laborious.
Parts Of Speech
While laborious primarily functions as an adjective, it is worth mentioning that it can also be used as an adverb in certain situations. As an adverb, laboriously modifies a verb, providing additional information about the manner or intensity of an action.
For instance:
- She typed laboriously, painstakingly ensuring there were no errors in her report.
- The students worked laboriously to complete the challenging math problems.
- He painted the intricate design on the canvas laboriously, stroke by stroke.
It is important to use laborious appropriately based on its part of speech to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.
In conclusion, laborious is a versatile word that adds depth and specificity to your sentences. By adhering to the grammatical rules and considering its potential parts of speech, you can effectively incorporate laborious into your writing to convey the idea of something requiring significant effort and time.
Examples Of Using Laborious In A Sentence
When it comes to incorporating the word “laborious” into your sentences, it’s important to showcase its versatility and various contexts. By using a mix of simple and complex sentences, we can effectively demonstrate the meaning and usage of this word. Let’s explore some examples:
1. In The Context Of Physical Effort:
- After a long and laborious day at the construction site, John’s muscles ached.
- The hiker embarked on a laborious trek through the rugged terrain, pushing himself to the limit.
- She painstakingly completed the laborious task of hand-sewing each intricate detail of the wedding gown.
2. In The Context Of Mental Or Intellectual Effort:
- The scientist spent months conducting laborious experiments to gather conclusive data.
- Writing a research paper can be a laborious process that requires extensive analysis and critical thinking.
- Learning a new language can be laborious, but the rewards are worth the effort.
3. In The Context Of Tedious Or Time-consuming Tasks:
- The accountant meticulously sifted through stacks of financial documents in a laborious attempt to find the error.
- Transcribing the audio recordings proved to be a laborious task, as the speaker’s voice was barely audible.
- Assembling the intricate puzzle proved to be a laborious endeavor, testing the patience of even the most dedicated puzzlers.
These examples illustrate how “laborious” can be used to describe both physical and mental exertion, as well as tasks that are time-consuming or tedious. By incorporating this word into your vocabulary, you can effectively convey the arduous nature of various activities or processes.
Edge Cases Or Things To Consider
When it comes to using the word “laborious” in a sentence, there are a few edge cases and considerations to keep in mind. By understanding these nuances, you can ensure that you are using the word correctly and effectively in your communication.
Common Mistakes People Make When Using Laborious
While “laborious” may seem like a straightforward word, there are some common mistakes that people tend to make when incorporating it into their sentences. By avoiding these errors, you can maintain clarity and precision in your writing.
1. Overuse: One common mistake is overusing the word “laborious” without providing sufficient context or variety. It is important to strike a balance and not rely solely on this term to describe every challenging or time-consuming task. Instead, consider using synonyms like arduous, painstaking, or tedious to add diversity and depth to your language.
2. Inaccurate usage: Another mistake is using “laborious” to describe something that is not truly laborious. It is essential to accurately assess the level of effort or difficulty involved in a task before using this word. Misusing it can undermine the impact of your message and lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
3. Lack of clarity: Sometimes, people fail to provide enough context or explanation when using “laborious.” This can leave readers or listeners unsure about what exactly is being described as laborious. To avoid this, ensure that you provide sufficient details and examples to paint a clear picture of the laborious nature of the task or activity.
Cultural Or Regional Differences
It is worth noting that the perception and usage of the word “laborious” may vary across different cultures or regions. While the general meaning remains the same, there might be subtle differences in how the word is understood or employed.
For example, in some cultures, the concept of hard work and laborious tasks may be highly valued and respected. As a result, the use of “laborious” might be more prevalent and accepted in everyday conversations. On the other hand, in cultures where efficiency and productivity are prioritized, the word might be used more sparingly or in specific contexts.
Regional dialects and idiomatic expressions can also influence the usage of “laborious.” Certain regions may have alternative terms or phrases that convey a similar meaning or emphasize the labor-intensive nature of a task. Understanding these cultural or regional differences can help you tailor your communication to your audience and ensure effective use of the word.
Synonyms Or Alternates To Use
When it comes to expressing the concept of laborious in a sentence, there are several synonyms or alternate words that can effectively convey a similar meaning. Let’s explore four such alternatives, each with its own subtle differences in meaning and usage:
1. Arduous
The term “arduous” shares a similar essence with laborious, indicating something that requires considerable effort, difficulty, or strenuous exertion. However, arduous often implies a greater degree of challenge or hardship. It conveys the sense of a task that is not only time-consuming and demanding but also mentally or physically draining.
Example: “The mountaineers embarked on an arduous journey to reach the summit of the treacherous peak.”
Contextual preference: Arduous is particularly suitable when emphasizing the taxing nature of a task or highlighting the significant obstacles one must overcome.
2. Tedious
The word “tedious” emphasizes the aspect of monotony, boredom, or tedium associated with a laborious task. It suggests that the activity is long, dull, and repetitive, often causing feelings of weariness or frustration.
Example: “The data entry process was incredibly tedious, requiring hours of monotonous typing.”
Contextual preference: Tedious is most appropriate when focusing on the wearisome or tiresome nature of a task, especially when it involves repetitive actions or lacks variety.
3. Onerous
“Onerous” refers to a task or responsibility that is burdensome, oppressive, or overwhelming in terms of its demands or obligations. It implies a sense of being excessively difficult or challenging, often accompanied by a feeling of being weighed down by the sheer magnitude or complexity of the undertaking.
Example: “The new regulations imposed on small businesses placed an onerous burden on their limited resources.”
Contextual preference: Onerous is particularly suitable when emphasizing the oppressive or burdensome nature of a task, highlighting the significant impact it has on one’s resources or capabilities.
4. Labor-intensive
The term “labor-intensive” specifically focuses on the amount of physical or manual effort required for a task. It suggests that the activity demands a substantial investment of human labor, often implying a high ratio of labor to other resources or technologies.
Example: “The construction of the intricate wooden furniture involved a labor-intensive process that required skilled craftsmanship.”
Contextual preference: Labor-intensive is most appropriate when highlighting the heavy reliance on manual labor or the need for specialized skills in completing a task, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, or construction.
Related Phrases Or Idioms
When it comes to incorporating the word “laborious” into phrases or idioms, the English language offers a few interesting options. These expressions often provide a vivid and creative way to convey the meaning of “laborious” in different contexts. Let’s explore a few of them:
1. Sisyphean Task
The phrase “sisyphean task” is derived from the Greek mythological figure, Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder uphill for eternity, only to have it roll back down each time, requiring him to repeat the effort. This idiom refers to a task that is seemingly endless and extremely laborious, with little or no chance of success.
Example sentence: “Despite the team’s best efforts, the project felt like a sisyphean task, as every time they made progress, unexpected obstacles arose, making it feel like they were constantly starting over.”
2. Herculean Effort
The phrase “herculean effort” alludes to the legendary strength and endurance of the Greek hero, Hercules. It describes an arduous task that requires immense physical or mental exertion to complete successfully.
Example sentence: “The marathon runner displayed a herculean effort, pushing through exhaustion and pain to cross the finish line.”
3. Uphill Battle
The expression “uphill battle” is often used to describe a challenging or laborious struggle, where progress is slow and difficult. It refers to the arduousness of climbing a steep slope, which requires constant effort and perseverance.
Example sentence: “Starting a small business in a competitive market can be an uphill battle, but with determination and strategic planning, success is achievable.”
4. Grindstone
The phrase “nose to the grindstone” is a metaphorical expression that emphasizes the idea of working diligently and persistently. It refers to the act of sharpening tools by rubbing them against a grindstone, symbolizing the laborious nature of hard work.
Example sentence: “In order to achieve his dream of becoming a professional musician, he kept his nose to the grindstone, practicing for hours every day.”
5. Slog Through
The phrase “slog through” conveys the notion of persisting through a difficult or laborious task, often with a sense of slow progress. It implies that the task requires significant effort and determination to overcome obstacles or challenges along the way.
Example sentence: “The hiker had to slog through the muddy trail, battling fatigue and unfavorable weather conditions, but the breathtaking view at the summit made it all worthwhile.”
These phrases and idioms provide a glimpse into the versatility of the word “laborious” in the English language. They vividly capture the essence of hard work, perseverance, and the challenges one may encounter along the way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct usage of the word “laborious” holds significant importance in effective communication. By understanding its precise meaning and applying it appropriately in our sentences, we can convey a sense of diligence, hard work, and meticulousness. Incorrect usage of this term can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, undermining the intended message.
As with any word, the best way to truly grasp its meaning and usage is through practice. Readers are encouraged to incorporate “laborious” into their own sentences to solidify their understanding and proficiency. By actively using this term, individuals can enhance their vocabulary, improve their writing style, and develop a more authoritative tone in their communication.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.