a tall order

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tall order" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a demanding or difficult task or request. For example, "The boss gave me a tall order - he wanted the project to be completed by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A tall order.

Forbes

"It's a tall order.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a tall order.

The New York Times

That is a tall order.

The New York Times

It is a tall order.

The New York Times

It was a tall order.

The New York Times

It seems a tall order.

Independent

This looks a tall order.

The Economist

It looks a tall order.

The Economist

This seems a tall order.

The New York Times

That seemed a tall order.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tall order", consider the audience's understanding. While common, ensure it resonates with non-native English speakers or those unfamiliar with the idiom.

Common error

Avoid using "a tall order" for tasks that are merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. Reserve it for situations that genuinely require significant effort or present considerable obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tall order" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a task or request, characterizing it as difficult or demanding. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tall order" is a common and versatile idiom used to describe a task or request that is difficult to achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. While alternatives like "a challenging task" exist, "a tall order" maintains its unique understated tone. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the level of difficulty involved and resonates with your intended audience. Overall, mastering the usage of "a tall order" can enhance your ability to express complex ideas with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging task

Focuses on the difficulty of the task itself.

a difficult undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and commitment required.

a formidable challenge

Highlights the scale and intimidating nature of the challenge.

a tough proposition

Presents the situation as something difficult to accept or deal with.

a demanding requirement

Stresses the strictness and high standards of the requirement.

an ambitious goal

Highlights the high level of aspiration.

a Herculean effort

Draws a parallel with the legendary labors of Hercules, stressing immensity of efforts to be done.

no easy task

Underlines the element of facility.

an uphill battle

Depicts a continuous and strenuous effort against opposition.

a hard nut to crack

Implies the task is complex and requires ingenuity to solve.

FAQs

What does "a tall order" mean?

"A tall order" is an idiom that refers to a task or request that is difficult to fulfill or achieve.

How can I use "a tall order" in a sentence?

You can use "a tall order" in a sentence like this: "Getting the project completed by the end of the week is "a tall order", but we'll try our best."

What are some alternatives to saying "a tall order"?

Some alternatives to "a tall order" include "a challenging task", "a difficult undertaking", or "a formidable challenge".

Is "a tall order to fulfill" redundant?

While not strictly redundant, "a tall order to fulfill" can be seen as slightly repetitive since "a tall order" already implies something difficult to achieve. Using just "a tall order" is often more concise and effective. For example, see "a tall order to fulfill".