a monumental task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a monumental task" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a very large or important task that requires significant effort and determination to accomplish. Example: "Building a house from scratch was a monumental task, but with the help of a skilled team, it was completed in just six months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's just a monumental task.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a monumental task.

The Economist

It is a monumental task.

Independent

It's a monumental task.

The New York Times

The president has a monumental task.

The New York Times

We were facing a monumental task".

The New York Times

Moving it was a monumental task.

The New York Times - Arts

He added: "Developing a menu is a monumental task.

The New York Times - Food

Restoring those specimens to pristine condition was a monumental task.

The Economist

It is a monumental task that has only just begun".

The Guardian

Trying to flag one down was a monumental task.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a monumental task", consider the audience and context. Ensure the tone matches the seriousness of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a monumental task" for everyday tasks. Overusing such strong language can diminish its impact when describing truly significant endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a monumental task" functions as a noun phrase, where "monumental" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "task". It is used to characterize the magnitude or importance of a particular undertaking. Ludwig provides many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a monumental task" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an undertaking of great scale, difficulty, and significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "a herculean effort" or "a daunting challenge" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While it’s a useful phrase for describing large projects and significant endeavors, bear in mind overusing it could diminish its power. By understanding its appropriate usage and potential alternatives, you can effectively communicate the magnitude of the task at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a Herculean task

Similar to "a herculean effort", it refers to something requiring immense strength and effort.

a massive undertaking

Focuses on the sheer size and scope of the task.

a herculean effort

Focuses on the immense effort required, emphasizing strength and determination.

a formidable undertaking

Stresses the scale and complexity of the task, implying potential obstacles.

a daunting challenge

Highlights the intimidating nature of the task, emphasizing the courage needed.

a colossal endeavor

Implies grand scale and ambition, emphasizing the importance of the task.

a considerable undertaking

Focuses on the substantial nature of the task, requiring careful planning and resources.

an uphill battle

Emphasizes the difficulty and resistance faced during the task.

a significant challenge

Highlights the difficulty, but with a more neutral and less dramatic tone.

an enormous job

Simple and direct, focusing on the quantity of work involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a monumental task" to describe any project or undertaking that requires significant effort and resources. For example, "Rebuilding the city after the earthquake was "a monumental task"".

What are some alternatives to "a monumental task"?

Alternatives include "a herculean effort", "a daunting challenge", or "a formidable undertaking" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a monumental task" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a large and difficult undertaking. You can find examples of its use in sources like The New York Times and The Economist.

What's the difference between "a monumental task" and "a difficult task"?

"A monumental task" implies a greater scale and significance than "a difficult task". While a difficult task might be challenging, a monumental task suggests a project of immense proportions requiring considerable resources and effort.