a complex task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a task that involves multiple steps, requires significant effort, or has intricate details. Example: "Completing the project on time was a complex task that required careful planning and coordination among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would be a complex task".

The Guardian

Writing is a complex task.

Contemporary Educational Psychology

Securing the city's transportation system is a complex task.

The New York Times

River basin management is a complex task.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A-B-C

However, this is still a complex task.

Academic Radiology

This is considered as a complex task.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Assessing dermal exposure is a complex task.

The Annals of Occupational Hygiene

Thus, their design remains a complex task.

Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences

Analysis turns out to be a complex task.

MIT Technology Review

Peer review is a complex task performed by busy people.

The Guardian

The precise evaluation of the performance is a complex task.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a complex task", ensure the context provides some indication of the specific complexities involved. This adds clarity and depth to your communication.

Common error

Avoid labeling every task as "a complex task". Reserve this phrase for situations where the intricacies genuinely warrant such a description. Overuse can diminish the impact and credibility of your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex task" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used to describe an activity that is not simple and involves multiple aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complex task" is a frequently used phrase to describe undertakings involving multiple steps, intricacies, or requiring substantial effort. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread applicability across various domains. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations genuinely warranting the descriptor and specifying the complexities involved. Alternatives like "a challenging endeavor" or "an intricate undertaking" can add nuance. Avoiding overuse and providing context will ensure effective communication when characterizing "a complex task".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complicated activity

Replaces "complex" with "complicated" and "task" with "activity", indicating entanglement or difficulty in understanding.

an intricate undertaking

Replaces "complex" with "intricate" and "task" with "undertaking", highlighting the detailed and elaborate nature of the task.

a challenging endeavor

Substitutes "task" with "endeavor", emphasizing the effort and potential difficulty involved.

a formidable challenge

Highlights the demanding and intimidating nature of the task.

a demanding assignment

Focuses on the high requirements and effort needed, using "demanding" instead of "complex" and "assignment" for "task".

a multifaceted project

Highlights the many aspects or dimensions involved, replacing "complex" with "multifaceted" and "task" with "project".

a sophisticated operation

Suggests a task that requires expertise and finesse, using "sophisticated" for "complex" and "operation" instead of "task".

a knotty problem

Emphasizes the difficulty and intricacy of the task, using "knotty" to describe the problem.

a tall order

Implies that the task is very difficult to achieve or fulfill.

a Herculean task

Evokes the immense strength and effort required, similar to the labors of Hercules.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a complex task" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using phrases like "an intricate undertaking", "a demanding assignment", or "a sophisticated operation".

What are some simpler alternatives to "a complex task"?

For simpler alternatives, try phrases like "a difficult job", "a hard task", or "a challenging task".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a complex task"?

Use "a complex task" when referring to something that involves many steps, intricate details, or requires significant effort and expertise. It's fitting for situations where the task is not straightforward.

Is there a difference between "a complex task" and "a complicated task"?

While similar, "a complex task" often implies multiple interconnected elements, while "a complicated task" can suggest something is difficult to understand or solve. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.