a difficult task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a challenging activity that requires a lot of effort and/or concentration. For example: "Figuring out the solution to the math problem was a difficult task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a difficult task.

The Economist

That's a difficult task".

The New York Times - Sports

"That is really not a difficult task".

The New York Times

Later, that became a difficult task.

The New York Times - Sports

President Koroma faced a difficult task.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But that is a difficult task.

The Economist

As president, Banda faced a difficult task.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He had a difficult task.

The New York Times

It wasn't a difficult task.

The New York Times - Travel

Ranieri has a difficult task.

The New York Times - Sports

He faces a difficult task.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific project or responsibility, use "a difficult task" to clearly convey the level of challenge involved. This informs your audience about the potential complexities and required resources.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty of "a difficult task" as it can undermine your credibility. Instead, provide specific details about the challenges involved to give a realistic and accurate assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult task" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it describing various challenging situations, such as "finding those genes" or "keeping the Republican movement unified."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult task" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe something that presents a significant challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, its purpose is to convey the level of effort, skill, or resources needed for a given activity. While alternatives exist, such as "a challenging endeavor" or "a formidable undertaking", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure you accurately represent the level of difficulty to maintain credibility and avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging endeavor

Replaces "task" with "endeavor", emphasizing the effort and determination required.

a formidable undertaking

Substitutes "difficult" with "formidable" and "task" with "undertaking", highlighting the scale and potential obstacles.

a complex challenge

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task.

a demanding assignment

Focuses on the high level of effort and resources required.

a tough proposition

Presents the task as a situation that is hard to deal with or accept.

an arduous job

Replaces "difficult" with "arduous" to emphasize the laboriousness.

a herculean effort

Illustrates the need for great strength and effort, relating to the mythical hero Hercules.

a problematic endeavor

Highlights the issues and complications involved in the task.

an uphill battle

Suggests a continuous struggle against resistance.

a taxing activity

Emphasizes the draining and exhausting nature of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult task" to describe something that requires significant effort or skill. For instance, "Negotiating the contract proved to be "a difficult task"." or "Completing the project on time was "a difficult task"."

What are some alternatives to "a difficult task"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "a challenging endeavor", "a formidable undertaking", or "a complex challenge" to express a similar meaning.

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

"A difficult task" and "a hard task" are often interchangeable, but "difficult" implies complexity and the need for skill, whereas "hard" suggests effort and physical exertion. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What makes a task qualify as "a difficult task"?

A task qualifies as ""a difficult task"" when it involves complexities, requires specialized knowledge, or presents significant obstacles that demand considerable effort and strategic thinking to overcome.