a substantive task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task that is significant, meaningful, or has considerable substance in a particular context. Example: "The team was assigned a substantive task that required extensive research and collaboration to complete successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This once-obscure body, previously focused on issues like monitoring Arctic animal populations, now has more substantive tasks, like defining future port fees and negotiating agreements on oil spill remediation.

The New York Times - Science

There were actually disagreements among advisers about the wisdom of his devoting so much time to these substantive tasks, some considering this work marginal to political or other considerations.

The New York Times

The curative effect of anti-HA antibody was so strong that a substantive recovery in memory performance tasks was observed.

Plosone

Since we know from the leave campaign that he is strong on British values, how about taking the Saudis to task for their sectarian puppeteering and rights abuses in a substantive, as opposed to rhetorical way?

The Guardian - Opinion

A substantive disagreement.

The New York Times

She declined requests for a substantive interview.

The New York Times

But Robin then adds a substantive component.

The New York Times - Books

A vote on whether a matter is procedural or substantive is itself a substantive question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a substantive point here.

The Guardian

"We come here today with a substantive package of changes".

The New York Times

"There should be a substantive understanding of the Indian scenario.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantive task" when you want to emphasize that the task is important, meaningful, and requires significant effort or attention.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantive task" to describe a simple or routine task. "Substantive" implies importance and weight, so ensure the task genuinely warrants this description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive task" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantive" modifies the noun "task". It characterizes the task as being significant or important. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantive task" is a grammatically sound way to describe a task of considerable importance and significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is relatively rare, it finds application across diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic writing. When aiming to convey that a task is more than just routine, consider using "a substantive task" to highlight its weight and importance. Remember that alternatives like "a meaningful endeavor" or "a significant undertaking" might offer slight nuances in meaning that better suit your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful endeavor

Emphasizes the significance and purposefulness of the task.

a significant undertaking

Highlights the importance and scale of the task.

a considerable assignment

Focuses on the size and weightiness of the task.

a major responsibility

Underscores the importance and accountability associated with the task.

a weighty obligation

Implies a task that is serious and demanding.

a crucial activity

Stresses the vital role and importance of the task.

an important project

Focuses on the structured and planned nature of the task.

a challenging endeavor

Highlights the difficulty and demands of the task.

a complex undertaking

Emphasizes the multifaceted and intricate nature of the task.

a demanding assignment

Focuses on the rigorous and exacting nature of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantive task" to describe an assignment that requires significant effort and thought. For example: "The project requires the team to undertake "a substantive task" involving extensive research and analysis."

What are some alternatives to "a substantive task"?

Alternatives include "a meaningful endeavor", "a significant undertaking", or "a major responsibility" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a substantive task" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "a substantive task" leans toward formal usage. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "an important job" or "a big project" might be more suitable.

What distinguishes "a substantive task" from "a simple task"?

"A substantive task" implies depth, significance, and complexity, requiring considerable effort and expertise. In contrast, "a simple task" refers to something straightforward and easy to accomplish.