a large task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task that requires significant effort, time, or resources to complete. Example: "Completing the project on time is a large task, but we are confident in our team's abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's a large task.

The Guardian

"This is a large task, and we don't have a lot of time".

The New York Times

That was a large task, but the process was mostly automated.

The New York Times

Dr. Halevy sets milestones for himself and breaks down a large task into small ones.

The New York Times - Tech

Companies populate a large task board with sticky notes detailing specific projects.

Cornell University

This is a large task, but given the margin of error, still not an impossible one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Almost a year later, Rowley returned with a larger task force and made a second landing around the capital of Île Bonaparte, Saint Denis.

Wikipedia

"The infantry will be part of a larger task force providing patrols and stability," he said.

The New York Times

A police chief branded "public enemy No 1" after proposing zero tolerance for speeding motorists may face a larger task than he imagined.

The Times

To do this, she is employing a technique called hierarchical planning, a means of breaking down a larger task into smaller steps.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A proposal for pharmaceutical industry collaboration on cancer drug research took a small step forward yesterday when industry executives agreed to establish a larger task force to study the idea, executives involved in the matter said yesterday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a large task" to set expectations for resource allocation and team effort in project planning.

Common error

Avoid downplaying the significance of "a large task". Underestimating the resources, time, or expertise required can lead to project delays or failure. Acknowledge the scope upfront and plan accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large task" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, describing the nature or scope of an activity. As shown by Ludwig, it characterizes an undertaking requiring significant effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

21%

Science

27%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large task" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe undertakings that require considerable effort. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. The phrase serves to emphasize the scale and complexity of an activity, setting expectations for the necessary resources and planning. When using "a large task", it is important to avoid underestimating the effort required and to break down the task into smaller, manageable steps. Alternatives such as "a significant undertaking" or "a considerable challenge" can be used to add nuance, as can the idiomatic expression "a tall order".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant undertaking

Replaces 'task' with 'undertaking', implying a more formal or planned endeavor; 'significant' emphasizes importance.

a considerable challenge

Shifts focus from the work itself to the difficulty involved; 'challenge' highlights the need for overcoming obstacles.

a demanding assignment

Replaces 'task' with 'assignment', which suggests a specific duty given by someone; 'demanding' indicates a high level of effort required.

a substantial project

Replaces 'task' with 'project', implying a longer-term effort with defined goals; 'substantial' highlights the size and impact.

a taxing endeavor

Replaces 'task' with 'endeavor', suggesting a serious attempt or effort; 'taxing' highlights the draining or exhausting nature of the task.

a major operation

Implies a more complex task often involving multiple steps or individuals; 'operation' can suggest a planned and coordinated effort.

a tall order

An idiomatic expression meaning a task that is difficult to fulfill; emphasizes the high expectations or requirements.

a Herculean effort

Uses a mythological reference to emphasize the extreme difficulty and effort required; 'Herculean' is a hyperbole.

a formidable job

Replaces 'task' with 'job', which is more general; 'formidable' emphasizes the intimidating nature of the task.

an onerous duty

Replaces 'task' with 'duty', which suggests an obligation; 'onerous' emphasizes the burdensome nature of the task.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a large task" in a sentence?

You can use "a large task" to describe something that requires substantial effort and resources. For instance, "Completing the software update is "a large task" that will take several weeks." Breaking it down into smaller components can make it more manageable.

What are some alternatives to "a large task"?

Alternatives include "a significant undertaking", "a considerable challenge", or "a demanding assignment". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to describe something as "a big task" or "a large task"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a large task" often conveys a sense of complexity and scale, while "a big task" can sometimes sound more informal. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

How does breaking down "a large task" into smaller tasks improve productivity?

Dividing "a large task" into smaller, more manageable subtasks makes the overall goal seem less daunting. This approach allows for better focus, progress tracking, and ultimately, improved productivity.