a small task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task that is minor or not very demanding in terms of time or effort. Example: "I have a small task for you to complete before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's not a small task.

The Guardian

And not one is a small task.

The New York Times - Food

It's not a small task to be safe in Mogadishu.

The New York Times

Not a small task for the boy -- now 48 -- who used to sneak into the event's matches.

The New York Times

He was adding percussion parts to the tracks — a small task, but one that he preferred to see to himself.

The New Yorker

Setting those specific accountability goals, such as completing a small task by a set date, is the most helpful action I can take.

Harvard University

Mr. Hyde has said that a small task force could more easily protect the sanctity -- and secrecy -- of grand jury testimony than the full committee.

The New York Times

One company solved that problem by assigning a small task force from within the team to jointly analyze the data provided by each department.

Harvard Business Review

Two months ago, he was in meetings at the Pentagon with a small task group he had assembled on the issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Under pressure from customers to produce some sort of environmental strategy for his company, he got a small task-force together.

The Economist

And that is a smaller task, undertaken a long way from any war zone.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delegating, use "a small task" to set clear expectations about the scope and effort required, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring timely completion.

Common error

Avoid using "a small task" when the task is actually complex or time-consuming. This can lead to underestimation, rushed work, and ultimately, lower quality results. Always accurately assess the task's scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small task" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is typically used as the subject or object of a sentence to refer to an activity that is not demanding or time-consuming. As Ludwig AI provides, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

17%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small task" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase that describes an activity requiring minimal effort or time. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating its versatility across different communication styles. When using this phrase, it's crucial to accurately assess the scope of the task to avoid underestimation. Alternatives such as "a minor undertaking" or "a simple assignment" can be used to vary the language while maintaining similar meaning. The phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirming its validity and relevance in contemporary English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking" and "small" with "minor", suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

an easy job

Substitutes "task" with "job" and "small" with "easy", making it more informal and direct.

a simple assignment

Replaces "task" with "assignment" and "small" with "simple", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

a manageable activity

Replaces "task" with "activity" and "small" with "manageable", implying that the task is within one's capabilities.

a trivial matter

Substitutes "task" with "matter" and "small" with "trivial", indicating the task is of little importance.

a light workload

Replaces "task" with "workload" and "small" with "light", suggesting a reduced amount of work.

a quick chore

Replaces "task" with "chore" and "small" with "quick", implying it is a routine and rapidly completed task.

a brief duty

Replaces "task" with "duty" and "small" with "brief", giving it a slightly more formal and obligatory tone.

a modest endeavor

Replaces "task" with "endeavor" and "small" with "modest", elevating the tone to sound more ambitious, yet still limited in scope.

a piece of cake

An idiomatic expression that replaces "a small task" and it's highly informal, meaning something very easy to do.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small task" to refer to something that requires minimal effort. For example: "Completing "a small task" like answering emails first thing can make the rest of the day more productive."

What can I say instead of "a small task"?

Alternatives include "a minor undertaking", "a simple assignment", or "an easy job" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a small task"?

No, it's important to accurately assess the effort required. Using the term "a small task" /s/ a+small+task for something complex can lead to underestimation and poor results. Be mindful of the actual scope.

What's the difference between "a small task" and "a simple task"?

While similar, "a small task" emphasizes the limited scope or effort involved, while "a simple task" highlights the lack of complexity. For example, data entry is "a simple task", but organizing a closet is "a small task" that is not necessarily simple.