a special assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific task or project that is unique or has particular significance. Example: "The manager has given me a special assignment to develop a new marketing strategy for the upcoming product launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Education Minister Shai Piron further added that that he was assigning a special assignment to the first graders this school year, which he noted wasn't homework but classwork.

Huffington Post

Fritz's staff had a special assignment for me.

The New York Times

An intelligence analyst is sent to the Arctic on a special assignment by the White House.

The New York Times - Books

Kevin Abrams was named assistant general manager and Marv Sunderland a special assignment scout.

The New York Times - Sports

He has been a special assignment instructor for the Yankees since June.

The New York Times - Sports

Look for new pathways within your own organization through a special assignment, job rotation, expanded responsibilities, or structured training.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Last season, he served as a special-assignment coach, a position created for him by Lou Lamoriello, the Devils' president and general manager.

The New York Times - Sports

Robinson, 51, has served this season as a special-assignment coach for the Devils, a position created for Robinson last August by Lamoriello after Robinson chose not to consider job opportunities from other teams, including the Rangers.

The New York Times - Sports

Rich Monteleone remains the bullpen coach, and the Yankees will have two additional pregame coaches: Gary Tuck returns to instruct the catchers, and Rob Thomson will be a special-assignment coach.

The New York Times - Sports

Chavez later joined the Yankees as a special-assignment scout in 2015.

Los Angeles Times

Peters selected McNamara from a list of candidates that included Rene Lachemann, third base coach for the World Series champion Oakland Athletics; Mike Hargrove, former Indians first baseman and manager of the club's Class AAA team at Colorado Springs, and John Hart, a Cleveland special assignment scout who was 8-11 as the Indians' interim manager after Edwards was fired.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a special assignment", ensure the context clarifies why the assignment is considered 'special'. Is it due to its complexity, importance, or unique requirements?

Common error

Avoid labeling every task as "a special assignment". This diminishes the impact of the phrase and can make it seem like all assignments are treated equally, even when they are not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special assignment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples in Ludwig show it describing varied tasks from intelligence analysis to scouting roles in sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special assignment" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a distinct and often important task or project. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, emphasizing its utility in professional communication. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the reason for its 'special' designation. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like ""a particular task"" or ""a unique mission"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and appropriately use "a special assignment" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular task

Replaces 'special assignment' with a more general term for a task.

a specific duty

Substitutes 'assignment' with 'duty', emphasizing the obligatory nature of the task.

a unique mission

Replaces 'assignment' with 'mission', suggesting a more important or strategic goal.

a designated project

Uses 'project' instead of 'assignment', framing the task as a larger undertaking with multiple steps.

a tailored commission

Employs 'tailored commission' to highlight that the assignment is customized to specific needs.

a specialized job

Focuses on the expertise required for the task by using 'specialized job'.

an exclusive undertaking

Replaces 'assignment' with 'undertaking', emphasizing the commitment and effort involved.

a confidential operation

Suggests the assignment requires secrecy and discretion.

a challenging endeavor

Highlights the difficulty and effort associated with the assignment.

a distinct undertaking

Stresses the individual and particular aspect of the assignment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a special assignment" to describe a task given to someone that is unique or of particular importance. For example: "The manager entrusted her with "a special assignment" due to her expertise."

What are some alternatives to saying "a special assignment"?

Alternatives include "a particular task", "a specific duty", or "a unique mission". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very special assignment"?

While grammatically correct, "a very special assignment" can be redundant if the 'special' nature of the assignment is already clear. Consider if ""a special assignment"" is sufficient, or if the added emphasis is truly necessary.

Can "a special assignment" refer to a negative task?

While "a special assignment" typically implies a task of importance or uniqueness, it doesn't inherently denote a positive or negative connotation. The tone is usually neutral and depends on the context. For example, it could refer to a challenging investigation or a difficult project.