a routine assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a routine assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a task or job that is regular, standard, or expected in a particular context, often implying that it is not particularly challenging or unusual. Example: "Completing the weekly report is just a routine assignment for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It was a routine assignment, but hardly a routine time for personnel in the 70th Precinct.

The New York Times

His service in the 18th ended abruptly in 1862 after a routine assignment went wrong.

The New York Times

An accident while on a routine assignment at a wastewater treatment plant in Red Hook in 1993 ended his employment.

The New York Times

What appears to be a routine assignment can become deadly very quickly," Police CommissionerRaymond W. Kelly said at a news conference at the hospital.

The New York Times

The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice (Chatto & Windus, £18.99) Reuben Golding, a young, handsome and privileged reporter on the San Francisco Observer, is sent on a routine assignment to write about a mansion on the Californian coast.

The Guardian - Books

It also resulted in the presentation of a special Polk Memorial Award to Mr. Whitman in 1980 for "setting new standards of excellence at what had been a routine assignment".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Next up is a far from routine assignment on Sunday at The Hawthorns against the season's domestic upstarts, West Bromwich Albion.

Independent

Nasrallah's accusation was a significant change from Hezbollah's routine assignment of blame on Israel for all such attacks, which is intended to "defuse sectarian tensions," said Ghorayeb, the Hezbollah expert.

Los Angeles Times

ANOTHER friend, a freelance writer, celebrated when she got a routine magazine assignment while she was in chemotherapy for breast cancer.

The New York Times

It begins with Bahari on a routine reporting assignment, reluctantly leaving his pregnant wife in London to cover the Iranian election.

Los Angeles Times

Apart from their routine assignment these LHW's will visit the households of the expectant women during the (third trimester of pregnancy) in the intervention arm and hand over the health pack to the family/expectant mother.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a routine assignment", consider whether the ordinariness of the task is relevant to the overall message. If so, this phrase effectively communicates that aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "a routine assignment" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your work seem monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms or more specific descriptions of tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a routine assignment" functions as a noun phrase, where "routine" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "assignment". As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a task or job that is ordinary, expected, and not particularly difficult.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a routine assignment" is a common phrase used to describe a task that is ordinary, expected, and not particularly challenging. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. Its neutral tone and frequent usage in news articles and professional settings make it a versatile choice for conveying the standard nature of a task. While not exceedingly formal, it effectively communicates the lack of exceptional or unusual requirements associated with the described assignment. Therefore, understanding its function and purpose allows for more effective and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standard task

Focuses on the task being typical or expected.

a regular duty

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the responsibility.

a typical job

Highlights the commonness and ordinariness of the work.

a normal undertaking

Implies the task is within the realm of expected activities.

a commonplace chore

Suggests the task is mundane and frequently performed.

an ordinary task

Highlights the unexceptional nature of the task

a run-of-the-mill duty

This alternative is less formal and conveys that something is average and not special

an everyday activity

Focuses on the daily and habitual nature of the task.

a workaday task

Highlights the commonness of the task especially with regard to working days

a humdrum chore

This alternative is informal and conveys that something is monotonous and boring

FAQs

How can I use "a routine assignment" in a sentence?

You can use "a routine assignment" to describe a task that is typical, expected, and not particularly challenging. For example, "Completing the weekly report is just "a routine assignment" for our team."

What can I say instead of "a routine assignment"?

You can use alternatives like "a standard task", "a regular duty", or "a typical job" depending on the context.

Is "routine assignment" formal or informal?

"Routine assignment" is generally considered neutral to professional. It's suitable for most contexts, but for highly formal situations, consider using more precise language.

What makes an assignment "routine"?

An assignment is considered "routine" if it's part of the regular workflow, doesn't require special skills or knowledge, and is generally predictable in its execution and outcome.