a leading task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leading task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or important task that guides or directs other activities or tasks. Example: "In our project, developing a clear strategy is a leading task that will influence all subsequent actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Clinical Biochemistry

Film

US News

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Minimizing the impact of major or unstable metabolites on the determination of a drug substance represents a leading task in the development and validation of bioanalytical methods.

Clinical Biochemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then there's her turn as a leading virologist tasked with curing the infected in fantasy thriller Patient Zero in the autumn, opposite Matt Smith and Stanley Tucci.

The Guardian - Film

He's hinted at scrapping the Environmental Protection Agency, tasking Myron Ebell, a leading climate change denier, to head his EPA transition team.

The Guardian

By then he was undisputed elder statesman of the Democratic party – a man presidents and candidates would turn to for particularly delicate tasks – and a leading light in the firmament of America's great and good.

Independent

If motivation is high (and individuals think that they can succeed), then attention is allocated to the primary task leading to task engagement.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Friends of Mr. Clinton say the smartest way to use him would involve a major but focused appointment, like leading a task force to fight climate change, global poverty or the H.I.V./AIDS epidemic, which would be natural outgrowths of his foundation work.

The New York Times

Christopher Berger, an exercise physiologist at the University of Pittsburgh, is leading a task force for the American College of Sports Medicine called "Exercise Is Medicine on the Fly," designed to promote physical activity among travelers and airport employees.

The New York Times

The Treasury Department is leading a task force that is examining the impact of hedge funds on financial markets.

The New York Times

Mr. Stringer is leading a task force on N.Y.U.'s development that includes Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Representative Jerrold Nadler.

The New York Times - Arts

The office of Gov. David A. Paterson has been leading a task force to search for alternatives, and in recent days it has met almost daily.

The New York Times

The counterproliferation center would coordinate the government's collection and analysis of intelligence on nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, leading a task now scattered among many national security agencies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a leading task", ensure it clearly identifies the task that sets the direction or has the most influence on other related activities. This helps provide focus and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a leading task" when referring to a simple or routine assignment. This phrase implies a task of significant importance, so ensure it aligns with the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading task" functions as a noun phrase, where "leading" modifies the noun "task". It indicates that the task is of primary importance and guides other activities. Ludwig confirms its usability, showing examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a leading task" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that highlights the significance of a particular task. Although Ludwig identifies its frequency as rare, the phrase appears in diverse contexts such as clinical biochemistry, film, and news reports. It emphasizes the importance and guiding nature of the task. Related phrases include "a primary task" and "a main task". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and truly represents a task of notable importance. Avoid its use for simple and routine assignments. Consider context and make sure that the use of "the leading task" is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary task

Replaces "leading" with "primary", emphasizing the task's fundamental importance.

a main task

Substitutes "leading" with "main", highlighting the task's central role.

a key task

Replaces "leading" with "key", stressing the task's importance for success.

a crucial task

Substitutes "leading" with "crucial", emphasizing the task's vital nature.

a pivotal task

Replaces "leading" with "pivotal", signifying the task's turning-point significance.

a significant task

Replaces "leading" with "significant", denoting the task's importance.

a foremost task

Substitutes "leading" with "foremost", emphasizing the task's priority.

a principal task

Replaces "leading" with "principal", stressing the task's primary nature.

a central task

Substitutes "leading" with "central", highlighting the task's core position.

a guiding task

Replaces "leading" with "guiding", emphasizing the task's role in directing efforts.

FAQs

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

Use "a leading task" to describe an important or guiding task within a project or situation. For example, "Identifying the target audience is "a leading task" in marketing campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "a leading task"?

You can use alternatives such as "a primary task", "a main task", or "a crucial task depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the leading task" instead of "a leading task"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the leading task" implies there is a single, specific task that is most important, whereas "a leading task" suggests one among several important tasks. Consider context and make sure that the use of "the leading task" is appropriate.

What's the difference between "a leading task" and "a supporting task"?

"A leading task" is central and directive, setting the course for other activities. In contrast, "a supporting task" plays a secondary role, contributing to the completion of the main objectives set by the leading task.