a marathon task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marathon task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that is long, challenging, and requires significant effort to complete, similar to running a marathon. Example: "Completing the annual report felt like a marathon task, taking weeks of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The last of these will be a marathon task.

The Guardian

A marathon task Nein! Plus ça change Hot potato revisited ReprintsIndeed, neither proposal eliminates ETI subsidies immediately: they would be phased out over several years.

The Economist

A marathon task Nein! Plus ça change Hot potato revisited ReprintsFor private banks, this is the kind of talk that is stultifying the market and preventing change.

The Economist

A marathon task Nein! Plus ça change Hot potato revisited Reprints Related items Economics focus: Hot potatoFeb 13th 2003The Castles-Henderson critique was subsequently published in the journal Energy and Environment (volume 14, number 2-3).

The Economist

A marathon task Nein! Plus ça change Hot potato revisited Reprints Related items Japan: A fair fight, at lastNov 6th 2003The Japanese stockmarket has always been something of an oddity, even more like a casino than other stockmarkets.

The Economist

A marathon task Nein! Plus ça change Hot potato revisited Reprints Related items Russia's oligarch wars: Face-offNov 6th 2003 Russia's economy: False calmNov 6th 2003 Siberia: Destiny at -60° CNov 6th 2003What a change a few years make.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Fearful of a prolonged period of political and economic uncertainty, European leaders are eager for the UK to make a swift start on the marathon task of extricating itself from the bloc by triggering article 50 as soon as possible.

The Guardian

For some inexplicable, perhaps Super-Size-Me reason, Queenan set out on the marathon task of watching the entire Bergman oeuvre "in rigorous chronological order over the course of six weeks".

The Guardian - Film

Prof Williams, who also taught Irish Gaelic at University College Dublin for 30 years before retiring, said he kept going on the marathon task by doing the "boring bits first" - starting with Leviticus, the chapter of the Old Testament which deals with which foods people can eat.

BBC

In the city, I'm… Saturday, October 7th, was a marathon of disheartening tasks for Anna Politkovskaya.

The New Yorker

Saturday, October 7th, was a marathon of disheartening tasks for Anna Politkovskaya.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a marathon task" when you want to emphasize the sustained effort and long duration required for a particular undertaking. It is suitable for situations where the task demands endurance and commitment, similar to running a marathon.

Common error

Avoid using "a marathon task" for short, intense bursts of activity. This phrase is best suited for describing projects or endeavors that unfold over an extended period, requiring consistent effort and perseverance, not quick sprints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marathon task" functions as a noun phrase, where "marathon" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "task". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase effectively describes a lengthy and demanding undertaking requiring significant endurance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a marathon task" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a lengthy and demanding undertaking. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively conveys the idea of a task that requires sustained effort and commitment, similar to running a marathon. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "an arduous undertaking" or "a prolonged endeavor" can be used depending on the specific aspect you wish to emphasize. While the phrase is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing, it's best reserved for situations where the task truly requires endurance and long-term dedication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an arduous undertaking

Focuses on the difficulty and strenuous nature of the task.

a prolonged endeavor

Emphasizes the extended duration and commitment required.

a Herculean effort

Highlights the immense strength and effort needed.

a taxing assignment

Stresses the demanding and burdensome nature of the task.

a lengthy process

Underscores the extended time frame involved in completing the task.

a demanding challenge

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the task.

a protracted struggle

Emphasizes the difficulty and resistance encountered during the task.

an exhausting activity

Focuses on the draining and tiring nature of the task.

a time-consuming job

Stresses the amount of time required to complete the task.

a significant undertaking

Highlights the importance and magnitude of the task.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe something as "a marathon task"?

Describing something as "a marathon task" means it is a long, challenging, and demanding undertaking that requires sustained effort and endurance to complete, similar to running a marathon.

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

You can use "a marathon task" to describe any activity that requires long-term commitment and effort. For example: "Completing the software development project was "a marathon task", requiring months of coding and testing."

What are some alternatives to saying "a marathon task"?

Some alternatives to "a marathon task" include "an arduous undertaking", "a prolonged endeavor", or "a lengthy process", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

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

Yes, "a marathon task" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a well-understood idiom that effectively conveys the idea of a long and demanding undertaking, suitable for various contexts including news articles, reports, and academic papers.