a special task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific assignment or duty that is unique or important in some way. Example: "The team was assigned a special task to develop a new marketing strategy for the upcoming product launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whitehill and Venegas worked on a special task force devoted to human trafficking.

The New Yorker

We've got a special task for you this afternoon, it'll probably keep you really busy".

The Guardian - Money

The Justice Department has convened a special task force to assist.

The New York Times

The Justice Department has created a special task force for the job.

The New York Times

A special task force in the president's office is privatising electricity assets.

The Economist

A special task force has been prepared, with dozens of mounted police officers with riot gear.

The New York Times

The American Anthropological Association convened a special task force to look into the accusations.

The New York Times - Books

A special task force will try to sort out exactly what happened in the subways and why.

The New York Times

Under pressure from the public, Temer declared his intention to form a special task force to investigate crime against women.

The New Yorker

Fortunately, a special task force convinced him against it, and he settled for cutbacks of six per cent.

The New Yorker

He announced the establishment of a special task force that would investigate whether any criminal offences had been committed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a special task" with a descriptive phrase that explains the task's objective or requirements. For instance, "a special task of data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "a special task" simply as a generic descriptor. Ensure the task genuinely warrants the 'special' designation due to unique demands or significance, otherwise, opt for a more neutral term like "task" or "assignment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special task" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It identifies a particular assignment or duty that is distinguished from ordinary tasks. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from government initiatives to individual assignments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special task" is a versatile phrase used to denote an assignment or duty that is distinct and often significant. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly justifies the 'special' designation, highlighting the task's unique demands or importance. Alternatives like "a specific task" or "a particular task" can be used to shift the emphasis, while being mindful of the potential misuse of 'special' as a generic descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific task

This alternative is more focused on the particularity of the task.

a particular task

This alternative emphasizes the distinctiveness of the task.

a dedicated task

This alternative highlights that the task requires commitment.

a specialized task

This alternative indicates the need for specific expertise.

a unique assignment

This alternative points out the task is unlike others.

a distinct mission

This alternative suggests a clear and defined objective.

a designated duty

This alternative emphasizes the official allocation of the task.

a targeted assignment

This alternative shows the task is directed towards a specific goal.

a priority objective

This alternative underlines the task's importance and urgency.

an important duty

This alternative stresses the significance of the task.

FAQs

How can I replace "a special task" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can replace "a special task" with alternatives such as "a specific task", "a particular task", or "a dedicated task".

What makes a task "special"?

A task can be considered "special" due to its complexity, importance, urgency, or uniqueness compared to regular assignments. The specific reason should be clear from the context.

Is it better to use "a special task" or "a specific task"?

The choice between "a special task" and "a specific task" depends on the emphasis you want to convey. "Special" highlights the unique nature of the task, while "specific" emphasizes its particularity and focus.

Can I use "a special task" in formal writing?

Yes, "a special task" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when the task genuinely warrants the 'special' designation. Ensure the context supports this designation.