a daunting workload

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a daunting workload" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a work situation that feels overwhelming or intimidating due to the amount of tasks or responsibilities involved. Example: "After reviewing the project requirements, I realized I was facing a daunting workload that would require extra hours to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

There was the giddy mood accompanying the start of something new and fresh — and the pit of anxiety in their stomachs as they made the transition from mostly idle days to a daunting workload.

The New York Times

Like the greats, Horner was staggeringly prolific, who produced music as naturally as breathing, but who set himself a daunting workload, often working 16-hour days.

The Guardian - Film

Faced with a daunting workload and high expectations, "I would stay up for a week at a time — untreated hypomania, cocaine and caffeine," Mr. Boulton recalled.

The New York Times

Practicing medicine at Elmhurst entails a daunting workload — at times, the hospital runs at a-hundred-and-forty-per-cent capacity — and the pay is not competitive with that of a private hospital or office.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

* Obama seeks 18.5percentFY1313 budget boost for US SEC * Obama also asks for 50percentt budget boost for CFTC * DOJ would get $55 million more to fight financial crimes * SEC, CFTC face daunting workload on Dodd-Frank, MF Global.

Huffington Post

A daunting prospect.

The Economist

It is a daunting challenge.

The New York Times

This was a daunting challenge.

The New Yorker

It is a daunting one.

The New York Times - Sports

That is a daunting gap.

The New York Times

He faces a daunting task.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a daunting workload", consider the audience and choose synonyms like "a heavy workload" or "a challenging workload" for a less dramatic tone. Ensure the context clearly supports the use of such a strong descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "a daunting workload" in situations where the amount of work is simply typical or manageable. Save it for truly overwhelming situations to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a daunting workload" functions as a noun phrase, where "daunting" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "workload". The adjective emphasizes the intimidating and challenging nature of the workload, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a daunting workload" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a particularly heavy or challenging amount of work. Ludwig indicates it is most commonly found in News & Media, Academic, and Science contexts. While the phrase is acceptable in formal writing, it's essential to consider the tone and audience, and alternatives like "a heavy workload" or "an overwhelming workload" might be more appropriate in certain situations. Avoid overusing the phrase to maintain its impact and ensure the context supports such a strong descriptor. Overall, the phrase is a useful way to communicate the challenging nature of a significant workload.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heavy workload

Emphasizes the large amount of work to be done.

an overwhelming workload

Highlights the feeling of being overburdened by the amount of work.

a formidable workload

Suggests the workload is challenging and requires significant effort.

a substantial workload

Focuses on the considerable size or amount of work.

a challenging workload

Indicates the work requires skill and determination to complete.

a demanding workload

Stresses the high expectations and pressure associated with the work.

a crushing workload

Implies the workload is extremely heavy and difficult to manage.

a massive workload

Emphasizes the sheer size and scope of the work.

a grueling workload

Focuses on the exhausting and physically or mentally taxing nature of the work.

a herculean workload

Implies the workload is of epic proportions and requires extraordinary effort.

FAQs

What does "a daunting workload" mean?

The phrase "a daunting workload" describes a situation where the amount of work is overwhelming and intimidating, often implying a difficult or challenging task.

How can I use "a daunting workload" in a sentence?

You might say, "The new project presented the team with "a daunting workload" that required them to work overtime".

What are some synonyms for "a daunting workload"?

Alternatives include "a heavy workload", "an overwhelming workload", or "a challenging workload" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a daunting workload" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when accurately reflecting a significant challenge. However, consider "a substantial workload" or "a considerable workload" for a more neutral tone.