a cumbersome task

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cumbersome task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is difficult and time consuming. For example, "Organizing the annual fundraiser was a cumbersome task."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Until about the 1980's, surveying was a cumbersome task, Mr. Ingram said.

The New York Times - Tech

And the records can be kept on paper and in a multitude of formats, making the tracing of fresh produce, which has a short shelf life, a cumbersome task, said Dr. David Acheson, the F.D.A.'s associate commissioner for foods.

The New York Times - Health

And securing that can be a cumbersome task — track down the record label, make a deal — especially for amateurs just looking to post a video of the family vacation.

The New York Times

The number of Hispanic surnames among the top 25 doubled, to 6. Compiling the rankings is a cumbersome task, in part because of confidentiality and accuracy issues, according to the Census Bureau, and it is only the second time it has prepared such a list.

The New York Times

Experimental determination of kinetic parameters to build quantitative models is a cumbersome task.

AMB Express

The design of such complexes, however, is a tedious and a cumbersome task.

Computer-Aided Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The challenge, Rogers explains, was to find a way to grow, shape, and manipulate the inorganic LED devices en masse, because doing so would eliminate the need to cut and connect them individually--a cumbersome task when hundreds or thousands of the devices are involved.

Science Magazine

It is a more cumbersome task to prove that l N a ' b = ρ a ' i ∂ G b / ∂ x i Open image in new window defines a nonlinear geodesic semispray configuration G b which is equivalent both to the Euler-Lagrange equations (Equation 61) and the equivalent (for regular Legendre transforms) Hamilton equations (Equation 112).

Mathematical Sciences

So it's … you know, I think they want to but it's a very cumbersome task and again, I come back to the sad reality that this is not celebrating the successes of Canadian science.

Science Magazine

Consequently, locating and retrieving this information is a very cumbersome task.

BMC Genomics

Further, even in a peaceful family arrangement, relatives may perceive the need to appoint a legal representative as a bureaucratic and cumbersome task.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cumbersome task" when you want to emphasize that something is not only difficult but also inconvenient and time-consuming. It suggests a task that is unwieldy and creates unnecessary burden.

Common error

Avoid using "cumbersome" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "tricky" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cumbersome task" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a specific action or activity as being troublesome and unwieldy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cumbersome task" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes an action or activity that is both difficult and inconvenient. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. Its usage spans across various domains, including science, news, and formal business settings, with a neutral register that allows for precise communication without excessive formality. When writing, consider the context to ensure that "cumbersome" accurately reflects the intended meaning, and be mindful of overuse in very casual conversations. Alternatives such as "a difficult task" or "a tedious task" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tough task

Focuses on the difficulty, but less on the inconvenience.

a burdensome task

Emphasizes the onerous nature of the task.

a complicated task

Highlights the complexity involved.

a lengthy task

Focuses on the time-consuming aspect.

a complex task

Similar to complicated, but suggests intricate elements.

a tedious task

Stresses the monotonous and wearisome nature.

a difficult task

A general term for something not easily accomplished.

a laborious task

Highlights the effort and hard work required.

a troublesome task

Emphasizes the problems and difficulties caused.

a challenging task

Highlights the demanding nature of the task and the skill required.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cumbersome task" to describe something that is difficult and time-consuming. For example, "Navigating the bureaucracy was "a cumbersome task"."

What are some alternatives to "a cumbersome task"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult task", "a complex task", or "a tedious task" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a cumbersome task" or "a difficult task"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a cumbersome task" implies more than just difficulty; it suggests the task is also unwieldy and inconvenient. Use "a difficult task" when focusing solely on the level of challenge.

What makes a task "cumbersome"?

A task is "cumbersome" when it involves unnecessary steps, is inefficient, or is difficult to manage due to its complexity or size. It suggests that the task is more complicated than it needs to be.