a more important task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more important task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the significance of different tasks, indicating that one task holds greater importance than another. Example: "Before we proceed with the current project, we need to address a more important task that requires our immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But now they've got a more important task, and that is to prevent further attack".

The New York Times

Scheduling is a function performed by the real-time kernel to determine whether a more important task needs to run.

The Firmware Handbook

But on Thursday night, President Obama had a more important task: to outline exactly what he would do with four more years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Soon Mike discovers that his assignment — to infiltrate the local underworld with his housemates — is camouflage for a more important task: to investigate Briggs himself.

The New York Times - Arts

But Strahan and the other Giants were largely successful in a more important task -- keeping Garcia contained in the pocket instead of letting him have open space, where he is more dangerous running and throwing.

The New York Times - Sports

HONG KONG - For all the focus on high-powered commerce in this region, Hong Kong also has a more important task, as a fragile laboratory for democracy in Asia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Marie gives Ahmad a more important job, a domestic task that instantly fills him with resentment and yet self-satisfaction that it is something important for which only he is competent.

The Guardian - Film

But while others are assigning blame, let me suggest that communicating compassion is a much more important task, and one that will bring us closer to a resolution.

Huffington Post

I'm sure our police forces will consider staking out the feminine hygiene aisle down at Walgreen's to be a far more important task than staking out, say, crack houses.

The Guardian

Now, zoo officials can stop worrying about fundraising for the pandas and turn to what they consider a far more important task: The often frustrating effort to produce panda cubs.

The Washington Post

The presidency is a far more important task!" he tweeted.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a more important task", ensure the context clearly establishes the task being compared against. This helps avoid ambiguity and emphasizes the significance of the prioritized task.

Common error

Avoid using "a more important task" when the task's importance is subjective or not readily apparent. Instead, provide specific reasons or context to justify its increased significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more important task" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object. It highlights a comparison between two or more tasks, emphasizing the greater significance of one over the others. Ludwig examples show diverse applications in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a more important task" is a phrase used to emphasize the higher priority or significance of one task compared to others. Ludwig AI analysis, based on a compilation of real-world examples, confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly used in news and media contexts. While variations such as "a higher priority task" or "a more critical assignment" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When employing this phrase, clarity in context is key to ensuring the intended message of prioritization is effectively communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main priority

Similar to 'a higher priority task', but more direct.

a higher priority task

Focuses on prioritization rather than inherent importance.

a more critical assignment

Emphasizes the urgency and criticality of the task.

a more pressing matter

Highlights the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a more significant responsibility

Emphasizes the weight and impact of the task.

a crucial undertaking

Emphasizes the significance and effort required for the task.

a paramount duty

Indicates the supreme importance and obligation of the task.

an overriding concern

Suggests that this concern takes precedence over others.

a key objective

Highlights the importance of the task in achieving a goal.

the primary focus

Emphasizes that this task is the main area of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a more important task" in a sentence?

You can use "a more important task" to highlight the priority of one task over another. For example, "While finishing this report is helpful, addressing the customer's complaint is "a more important task" right now".

What are some alternatives to "a more important task"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a higher priority task", "a more critical assignment", or "the primary focus", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify the task being compared when using "a more important task"?

While not always required, specifying the task being compared against provides clarity and emphasizes the significance of the prioritized task. This ensures the reader understands why one task is considered more important than another.

How does "a more important task" differ from "an urgent task"?

"A more important task" emphasizes the significance and impact of a task, while "an urgent task" highlights the time-sensitivity and immediate need for action. A task can be both important and urgent, but these qualities are distinct.