Writing Tip 178: “Tortuous” vs. “Torturous”

Watch out for that curve! (And that pesky letter R, apparently)

If you’re on a long car ride through the mountains, you could call it tortuous, or if you’re prone to getting car-sick, maybe it’s even torturous; however, it’s essential that you know the difference. Look closely. Did you notice that I used two different words? Yes, these are in fact two different words.

Remember:

“Tortuous” means either full of twists and turns or excessively complicated, lengthy, and complex.
“Torturous” (the word you probably think you’re always using) means involving or causing great pain and/or suffering.

You might feel like grammar lessons are tortuous, or you might think they are torturous. But it’s my goal to avoid either. (How am I doing?)

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