a colossal task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a colossal task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task that is extremely large, difficult, or overwhelming in nature. Example: "Completing the project within the deadline felt like a colossal task, but the team managed to pull it off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It's a colossal task.

The Guardian

It will be a colossal task, enlisting science, engineering, technology, regulation, legislation, and persuasion.

The New Yorker

Yet, that said, Eddie Howe faces a colossal task in restoring confidence after successive 5-1 drubbings.

The Guardian - Sport

The scale of loss was huge, and it was a colossal task for governments and aid agencies.

The Guardian

That is a colossal task that could cost Mr. Marzuki, who has expressed presidential ambitions, his political career, if not his life.

The New York Times

After the Soviet collapse, newly independent countries faced a colossal task in identifying former Soviet informants, said Mr. Utiashvili, who estimated that in 1991 the K.G.B. had 20,000 active agents in Georgia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The music is a colossal enough task in itself, without these considerations".

The Guardian - Music

What credit we can claim is owed to the men and women in our armed forces and to the international civilians who have shouldered the colossal task of assisting in the reconstruction of a country while simultaneously confronting a deadly insurgency.

Huffington Post

Maybe he just would have been catching an extra hour of sleep to feel energized for the colossal task he is faced with everyday, turning on adolescents to reading, writing, and learning.

Huffington Post

GP commissioning hands over responsibility to family doctors, who would be criticised if they mismanage their colossal task.

The Guardian

Even if he pulls through this latest saga with his job intact, Mr Messier has nobody to blame for the colossal task he faces but himself.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a colossal task", ensure the context clearly illustrates the size and difficulty of the task to justify the adjective "colossal". Be specific about what makes it so large and challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "a colossal task" for routine or moderately difficult tasks. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for genuinely significant and challenging endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a colossal task" functions as a noun phrase, where 'colossal' is an adjective modifying the noun 'task'. It serves to describe the magnitude or scale of the task being discussed. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and widely employed across various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a colossal task" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an undertaking of significant size, difficulty, or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. Alternatives such as "a monumental undertaking" or "a gigantic endeavor" can be used to convey similar meanings. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context justifies its use, avoiding overuse and maintaining clarity about what makes the task so demanding. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively communicate the scale and challenge of the task at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A monumental undertaking

Replaces 'colossal task' with 'monumental undertaking', emphasizing the historical or lasting impact of the endeavor.

A gigantic endeavor

Substitutes 'colossal task' with 'gigantic endeavor', highlighting the sheer scale and ambition of the project.

A massive undertaking

Uses 'massive undertaking' instead of 'colossal task', focusing on the significant scale and resource requirements.

A herculean effort

Replaces 'colossal task' with 'herculean effort', stressing the immense strength and effort required.

A formidable challenge

Substitutes 'colossal task' with 'formidable challenge', highlighting the difficulty and potential obstacles involved.

An immense project

Uses 'immense project' instead of 'colossal task', focusing on the large scope and complexity.

A daunting mission

Replaces 'colossal task' with 'daunting mission', emphasizing the intimidating nature and potential for failure.

An overwhelming responsibility

Substitutes 'colossal task' with 'overwhelming responsibility', highlighting the burden and pressure associated with the endeavor.

A substantial undertaking

Uses 'substantial undertaking' instead of 'colossal task', focusing on the considerable effort and resources involved.

A complex assignment

Replaces 'colossal task' with 'complex assignment', stressing the intricate and multi-faceted nature of the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "a colossal task" to describe any undertaking that is extremely large, difficult, or complex. For example: "Rebuilding the city after the earthquake was "a colossal task"."

What are some alternatives to "a colossal task"?

Some alternatives to "a colossal task" include "a monumental undertaking", "a gigantic endeavor", or "a massive undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a colossal task" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant challenges or endeavors. However, ensure the tone and context align with the level of formality.

What's the difference between "a colossal task" and "a difficult task"?

"A colossal task" implies a much greater scale and level of difficulty than "a difficult task". "Colossal" suggests something immense and overwhelming, while "difficult" simply means challenging.