a daunting job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a daunting job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or responsibility that is intimidating or challenging. Example: "Taking on the role of project manager for such a large initiative felt like a daunting job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Yet they face a daunting job.

The Economist

It's a daunting job for a physical therapist.

University of Pennsylvania

Back then, he was facing a daunting job.

The New York Times - Sports

Why would policing the stimulus bill in all of its fullness be a daunting job?

The New Yorker

It is a daunting job, but Ward has a background in working wonders.

The New York Times - Sports

Even for a man of his optimism and energy, though, it was a daunting job.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It may seem like a daunting task to switch jobs, but it can be done.

Independent

Although the statistics may look rosy, it's a daunting task for you the job seeker to buckle down to look for a job and find one that fits your talents and interests.

HuffPost

Despite the increase in funding, researchers who enter the field still face a daunting task: going on the academic job market.

Science Magazine

It's not so easy today to look for a job… It's a daunting task, especially let's say for the lower skilled segment of the population.

TechCrunch

It's not so easy today to look for a job… It's a daunting task, especially let's say for the lower skilled segment of the population.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a daunting job", ensure the context clearly illustrates why the job is challenging. Provide specific details about the obstacles or difficulties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a daunting job" when the task is simply routine or requires minimal effort. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a daunting job" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "daunting" modifies the noun "job". It describes the nature of the job, emphasizing its challenging and potentially overwhelming aspects. Ludwig's examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a daunting job" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a task or responsibility that is perceived as challenging and potentially overwhelming. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in news articles, academic papers, and other forms of writing. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to illustrate the specific difficulties involved. While alternatives like "a challenging task" or "a formidable undertaking" exist, they may not fully capture the intimidating aspect conveyed by "a daunting job".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging task

Replaces "job" with "task" emphasizing the effort required.

a formidable undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and potential difficulty of the endeavor.

a monumental task

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the task.

a considerable challenge

Highlights the significant level of difficulty involved.

a demanding role

Highlights the high expectations and requirements of the position.

a Herculean effort

Uses a mythological reference to highlight the immense difficulty.

a complex endeavor

Focuses on the intricate nature of the job.

an uphill battle

Suggests a struggle against significant odds.

a tough assignment

Uses more informal language while maintaining the sense of difficulty.

a heavy burden

Emphasizes the weight and responsibility associated with the job.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a daunting job" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a daunting job" in a sentence, provide context that highlights the specific challenges or difficulties associated with the task. For example, "Restructuring the company's finances after years of mismanagement was "a daunting job".

What are some alternatives to saying "a daunting job"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a challenging task", "a formidable undertaking", or "a considerable challenge".

Is it appropriate to use "a daunting job" in formal writing?

Yes, "a daunting job" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. More formal alternatives might include "a formidable undertaking" or "a monumental task".

What makes "a daunting job" different from "a difficult job"?

"A daunting job" implies a task that is not only difficult but also intimidating or discouraging due to its complexity, scale, or potential consequences. While "a difficult job" simply suggests a task that requires effort and skill, "a daunting job" carries a stronger emotional weight.