a big task

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big task" is completely correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an assignment or job that will take some effort to complete. For example, "My teacher assigned me a big task: to write a five-page paper on the effects of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's quite a big task.

Independent

Tackling organic waste is a big task.

The New York Times

Either way, it is a big task.

Yale University

It's a big task of the future.

The Guardian

"So we've got a big task.

The Guardian - Sport

And that's a big task for us".

The Guardian

Hughes clearly has a big task ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

"But it would be a big task — an enormous task".

The New Yorker

"We've got a big task ahead of us," he says.

The New Yorker

That is a big task for the Army to undertake.

The New York Times

And that's a big challenge and a big task".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the scale of a project, use "a big task" to convey the significant amount of effort and resources required.

Common error

In casual conversations, consider using simpler alternatives like "a tough job" or "a lot of work" to avoid sounding overly formal or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a big task" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an activity or assignment that requires significant effort. Ludwig examples show its common usage in various contexts, affirming its role as a descriptor of challenging endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big task" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a job or assignment that requires substantial effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When writing, consider the level of formality required, and use synonyms such as "a major undertaking" or "a significant challenge" to add nuance. By understanding its meaning and usage, you can effectively communicate the magnitude and difficulty of any endeavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking" and "big" with "major", emphasizing the scale and importance of the effort.

a significant challenge

Focuses on the difficulty aspect of the task, highlighting the obstacles involved.

a considerable project

Replaces "task" with "project", suggesting a planned and organized effort that requires substantial resources.

a demanding assignment

Highlights the level of effort and skill required to complete the assignment successfully.

a herculean effort

Emphasizes the immense strength and effort needed, using hyperbole to convey the task's magnitude.

a monumental endeavor

Highlights the grand scale and lasting impact of the task, portraying it as historically significant.

a tough job

Uses more informal language to convey the difficulty of the task.

a complex undertaking

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task.

a formidable challenge

Emphasizes the intimidating and daunting nature of the challenge.

a substantial responsibility

Shifts the focus to the accountability and obligation associated with the task.

FAQs

What does "a big task" mean?

The phrase "a big task" refers to a job, assignment, or undertaking that requires significant effort, time, and resources to complete.

How can I use "a big task" in a sentence?

You can use "a big task" to describe something that needs a lot of effort, like "Cleaning the entire house is "a big task"." or "The government has "a big task" ahead in reducing unemployment levels."

What are some synonyms for "a big task"?

Alternatives to "a big task" include phrases like "a major undertaking", "a significant challenge", or "a considerable project", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a big task" in formal writing?

Yes, "a big task" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "a monumental endeavor" or "a formidable challenge" for added impact, depending on context.