Herculean task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Herculean task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that requires an immense amount of effort, strength, or determination to accomplish. Example: "Completing the project on time was a Herculean task, but the team managed to pull it off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hardly a herculean task.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is a Herculean task.

The New York Times

That is a herculean task".

The New York Times

They faced a Herculean task.

The New York Times - Books

It's not a herculean task.

The Guardian

Mr Supachai faces a Herculean task.

The Economist

Some might call this a Herculean task.

The New York Times

It's quite a herculean task to follow.

The Guardian

It's not expensive, not a Herculean task.

The Guardian

Achieving that may be a herculean task.

The New York Times

That's a Herculean task in a case like this.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Herculean task", ensure the context clearly conveys the immense effort and scale required. It's most effective when describing projects that demand significant resources and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "Herculean task" for merely difficult tasks; reserve it for endeavors that truly require extraordinary effort and resources. Overusing it dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Herculean task" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "Herculean" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "task". Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English and is used to describe something extremely difficult.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Herculean task" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an extremely difficult or demanding undertaking. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "monumental undertaking" or "formidable challenge" exist, "Herculean task" effectively conveys the immense effort and scale required, drawing a clear parallel to the mythological labors of Hercules. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its strong connotation and avoid overusing it to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Herculean effort

Focuses on the effort needed rather than the task itself, yet conveys a similar sense of immensity.

Monumental undertaking

Emphasizes the large scale and significance of the task, similar to "Herculean task".

Formidable challenge

Highlights the difficulty and potential obstacles involved, akin to a "Herculean task".

Daunting endeavor

Suggests a task that is intimidating and requires courage, much like a "Herculean task".

Gargantuan effort

Focuses on the immense amount of energy and resources needed, comparable to a "Herculean task".

Colossal assignment

Indicates a task of great size and importance, similar to "Herculean task".

Mammoth project

Refers to a large and complex undertaking, echoing the scale of a "Herculean task".

Laborious undertaking

Stresses the demanding and time-consuming nature of the task, like a "Herculean task".

Arduous challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and strain involved, similar to "Herculean task".

Tremendous task

Simply highlights the large size of the task, but without the nuance of difficulty implied by "Herculean task".

FAQs

What does "Herculean task" mean?

A "Herculean task" refers to a job or undertaking that is extremely difficult, requiring immense strength, effort, or determination, drawing from the mythological hero Hercules and his legendary labors.

How to use "Herculean task" in a sentence?

You might say, "Cleaning up the city after the hurricane was a "Herculean task"" or "Negotiating the treaty proved to be a "Herculean task"".

What can I say instead of "Herculean task"?

You can use alternatives like "monumental undertaking", "formidable challenge", or "daunting endeavor" to describe a difficult job.

Is it appropriate to use "Herculean task" in formal writing?

Yes, "Herculean task" is appropriate in formal writing. It's widely understood and adds emphasis to the difficulty of the task. However, consider your audience and the specific context to ensure it fits the tone and style.