a formidable task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that is challenging or difficult to accomplish. Example: "Completing the project within the tight deadline proved to be a formidable task for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a formidable task, formidably (and entertainingly) accomplished.

The Guardian - Books

It's a formidable task.

The New York Times

A formidable task.

The New York Times - Food

Catching McIlroy will be a formidable task.

The New York Times - Sports

Understanding proboscidean evolution: A formidable task.

University of California, Berkeley

Whoever replaces him has a formidable task.

The Guardian

That may be a formidable task.

The New York Times

OUR next president faces a formidable task.

The New York Times

Creating a website can be a formidable task.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Making those words real was a formidable task.

Independent

Eradication of leprosy would be a formidable task.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable task" when you want to emphasize the difficulty and potential for failure in a particular endeavor. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "formidable" effectively conveys difficulty, avoid overusing it in close proximity to other strong adjectives. Vary your language to keep your writing engaging and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable task" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the nature of a particular task, emphasizing its challenging and demanding characteristics. This is supported by Ludwig AI and its analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable task" is a widely used phrase that effectively communicates the challenging and demanding nature of an undertaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, fitting seamlessly into various contexts. Predominantly featured in news and media, as well as academic and scientific writings, it denotes a task of considerable complexity. Remember to leverage this phrase when aiming to convey the intensity and potential difficulties associated with a specific endeavor, while also considering synonyms to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a daunting challenge

Focuses more on the intimidating nature of the task.

a significant challenge

Highlights the importance and difficulty of the task.

no easy task

A straightforward way of saying something is difficult.

a Herculean effort

Emphasizes the immense strength and effort required.

a monumental undertaking

Highlights the large scale and significance of the task.

a demanding endeavor

Focuses on the high level of effort and resources required.

an uphill battle

Implies resistance and difficulty in achieving the goal.

a tough assignment

Conveys difficulty in a more practical or work-related sense.

a tall order

Suggests that the task is ambitious and potentially difficult to fulfill.

a tough row to hoe

An idiomatic expression implying a difficult and laborious task.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable task" to describe a challenging or difficult undertaking. For example, "Rebuilding the city after the earthquake was "a formidable task"".

What are some alternatives to "a formidable task"?

You can use alternatives like "a daunting challenge", "a monumental undertaking", or "no easy task" depending on the specific context.

Is "formidable task" formal or informal?

"Formidable task" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its perceived formality largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the piece.

What makes a task "formidable"?

A task is "formidable" when it presents significant challenges due to its complexity, scale, or required resources. It suggests that the task demands considerable effort and skill to accomplish successfully.