a momentous task

USAGE SUMMARY

'a momentous task' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task which is difficult, important, or momentous in nature. For example, "John knew completing his college degree was a momentous task, but he was determined to see it through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The crowd merely carries further the justification for a special code of ethics incorporated in the slogan "You have to fight fire with fire!" Second, there is a sense of power in the crowd, with its apparent determination and uniform will, that overcomes the individual's doubts concerning his own ability to carry out a momentous task successfully.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was a momentous project for her".

The New York Times

"While politicians squabble about hard and soft Brexit, there is a deafening silence from ministers over whether any additional resources will be provided to deliver this momentous task.

The Guardian

The momentous task of tackling the UK's fiscal crisis will get under way after the election – and it's going to hurt".

The Guardian - Business

For those of us looking on from afar, it seemed odd for the demonstrators to focus on how to protect women in public, given the momentous task at hand.

The New Yorker

But most surprising of all, they would find themselves ahead of all the established charities and agencies, at the forefront of the momentous task of feeding, housing and looking after tens of thousands of refugees across Europe.

The Guardian

As President-elect Barack Obama considers how to curb the gases that contribute to global warming, Europe's struggle with the problem illustrates the momentous task ahead for the United States.

The New York Times

POTSDAM, Germany, Oct. 9 — Sixty-two yeafterfthe the victorious Allied leaders convened in this stately Prussian town to create the post-World War II world, 15 Nobel Prize laureates assembled here this week for another momentous task: saving the world from global warming.

The New York Times

Coyle was left with the momentous task of lifting his players during the half-time break - but whatever he said clearly had some effect with Boyata heading home Martin Petrov's free kick within 60 seconds of the restart.

BBC

Upon Queen Victoria's death, Beatrice began the momentous task of transcribing and editing her mother's journals, which had been kept since 1831.

Wikipedia

11 20 p.m. | Updated It is one of the more momentous tasks facing the Cuomo administration: turning around New York City's ailing mass transit system, the largest in the country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a momentous task", ensure the context clearly establishes the task's significance and potential impact. This phrase is best suited for situations where the undertaking truly holds substantial importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a momentous task" for routine or trivial activities. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a momentous task" functions as a noun phrase, where "momentous" modifies the noun "task". It serves to emphasize the significance and importance of the task being described. The examples provided by Ludwig show its common use in describing important endeavors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a momentous task" is a phrase used to describe an undertaking of great significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability in formal writing. While not overly common, it appears frequently in news and media when describing important endeavors or events. Related phrases like "a significant undertaking" and "an important endeavor" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific context. Remember to reserve this phrase for tasks that genuinely warrant such emphasis to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant undertaking

Replaces "momentous task" with a more general term for an important project.

an important endeavor

Substitutes "task" with "endeavor", highlighting the effort and purpose involved.

a critical responsibility

Highlights that the task is critical in the project.

a crucial mission

Emphasizes the critical nature and objective of the task.

a pivotal assignment

Highlights the turning-point aspect of the task, suggesting it influences future outcomes.

a challenging responsibility

Focuses on the difficulty and the sense of duty associated with the task.

a formidable challenge

Emphasizes the scale and difficulty of the task.

a weighty obligation

Emphasizes the sense of burden and importance attached to the task.

a demanding job

Uses simpler language to describe the rigor required by the task.

a herculean effort

Implies the task requires immense strength and determination, alluding to the feats of Hercules.

FAQs

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

You can use "a momentous task" to describe a significant undertaking or project. For instance, "Completing the peace treaty was "a momentous task" that required years of negotiation".

What are some alternatives to "a momentous task"?

Alternatives include "a significant undertaking", "an important endeavor", or "a crucial mission", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a momentous task" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a momentous task" is more suited for formal or serious contexts. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases like "a big job" or "an important task" may be more appropriate.

What makes a task qualify as "a momentous task"?

A task qualifies as "a momentous task" when it is exceptionally important, has significant consequences, and often requires considerable effort and dedication. It usually involves high stakes and can have a lasting impact.