a major task

USAGE SUMMARY

"a major task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult or important task that requires a lot of effort. For example, "Planning the company's annual budget is a major task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The simplest trip outside is a major task.

The New York Times

Migrating them across will be a major task.

The Guardian - Tech

An accomplished architect of elite teams, Walsh will have a major task ahead of him.

The New York Times - Sports

George Osborne has a major task ahead to get growth going in the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Today's report clearly shows we still have a major task before us," she said.

The New York Times

Just teaching them how to manage their cardboard was a major task.

The New York Times

"The need for harmonization is going to be a major task ahead".

The New York Times

National integration had been a major task for Zambia's leaders at independence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I had to pick and choose, which was a major task in itself".

Independent

Key player: Alex Gidman: The captain has a major task to lead a young squad.

Independent

The state building planned for the site had to be relocated, a major task involving several layers of state government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major task", ensure the context clearly indicates why the task is significant. Providing specific details about the challenges or importance enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a major task" for routine or trivial activities. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major task" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. Ludwig examples confirm its role in highlighting the importance or difficulty of a specific undertaking. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, this phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major task" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant undertaking that requires considerable effort. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely accepted in written English. Ludwig's analysis of usage patterns reveals its frequent appearance in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to justify the assertion of significance, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Alternative phrases like "a significant undertaking" or "a substantial challenge" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant undertaking

Focuses on the scale and effort required, highlighting the considerable nature of the project.

a substantial challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and obstacles involved in the task.

a considerable endeavor

Highlights the effort and commitment required for the task.

an important responsibility

Stresses the significance and accountability associated with the task.

a demanding assignment

Focuses on the high level of effort and skill required.

a crucial undertaking

Emphasizes the critical importance and potential impact of the task.

a primary objective

Highlights the task's central role in achieving a larger goal.

a pivotal project

Indicates that the task is essential and could have a significant impact on future outcomes.

a complex operation

Highlights the intricate nature and multiple steps involved in the task.

a Herculean effort

Highlights the immense strength, courage, and effort required, drawing a parallel to the feats of Hercules.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major task" to describe any significant undertaking that requires considerable effort or resources. For example, "Completing this project is "a major task" for our team."

What are some alternatives to "a major task"?

Alternatives to "a major task" include "a significant undertaking", "a substantial challenge", or "a considerable endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a major task" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major task" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when accurately reflecting the scale and importance of the task at hand. However, consider alternatives like "a crucial undertaking" for added emphasis.

What makes "a major task" different from "a minor task"?

"A major task" implies a significant commitment of time, resources, and effort, often with high stakes or broad impact. In contrast, "a minor task" suggests a smaller, less demanding activity with limited consequences.