a task left undone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a task left undone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a task that has not been completed or finished. Example: "The project deadline is approaching, and I still have a task left undone that I need to address before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A couple days I had written off in my memory as a total waste of time (because of a headache or a task left undone) were actually rated quite high, and I realized I'm much more pessimistic than I thought I was.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The only way to remove the threat of those weapons is to remove him, and that means using air power and ground forces, and finishing the task left undone in 1991.

The New York Times

Engineers see a job left undone, or in the case of Bach's "St.

The New York Times - Arts

11 Still, a large European study found a rather high prevalence of nursing tasks left undone, including documentation, skin care and repositioning due to lack of time, poor staffing levels and poor work environment.

BMJ Open

But late winter — when the days lengthen, the light lifts, and one is confronted with twelve million nasty tasks left undone — is the guiltiest season of them all.

The New Yorker

Mountains of trash bags sprouted across Co-op City on Tuesday as residents and office workers rushed to perform basic maintenance tasks left undone by more than 500 unionized janitors, groundskeepers and parking attendants who went on strike in a contract dispute.

The New York Times

Higher patient-to-RN ratios and nursing workload have been associated with more tasks left undone by RNs and rationing of nursing care [ 49, 73].

BMC Nursing

"Nothing is really impossible if you put your mind to it" was his final banality, as he bequeathed a score of impossible tasks left undone.

The Guardian - Opinion

At some point in the evening he composed the "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng," a meditation on the shortness of life and on tasks left undone.

The New York Times - Arts

I'd like not to be physically and psychologically oppressed by the evidence of my multiple failings as a worker (how can I produce decent copy in the midst of such horror?), a mother (what are all these toys doing here?), a wife (the mess reminds me of all the domestic tasks left undone downstairs, too).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hours after the strike began, many residents began carrying their own trash outside and performing other small tasks left undone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a task left undone" to emphasize the consequence of neglecting or postponing a specific duty. It highlights the potential impact of not finishing what was started.

Common error

Avoid using "a task left undone" excessively in highly formal or technical documents. Opt for more precise language like "uncompleted task" or "outstanding obligation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a task left undone" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing incomplete actions or duties that have not been fulfilled. The AI also confirms the phrase is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a task left undone" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that refers to an incomplete action or duty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression. It appears in various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, and serves to emphasize the implications of tasks not being completed. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal settings, opting for more precise alternatives like "uncompleted task" or "outstanding obligation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfinished task

Focuses on the state of being not finished, emphasizing the lack of completion.

an incomplete assignment

Highlights that an assignment has not been fully executed or concluded.

unfinished business

Implies unresolved matters or tasks, often with emotional or significant implications.

an outstanding task

Indicates a task that is still pending or needs to be completed.

a task pending completion

Emphasizes that the task is in progress but not yet finalized.

a job remaining to be done

Highlights the remaining work necessary to accomplish a specific job.

a duty unfulfilled

Suggests a moral or obligatory task that has not been carried out.

work in progress

Denotes a task or project that is currently being worked on but is not yet finished.

an uncompleted endeavor

Refers to an attempt or effort that has not been fully realized or finished.

an action item unresolved

Indicates a specific action that has not been addressed or finalized.

FAQs

How can I use "a task left undone" in a sentence?

You can use "a task left undone" to describe something that was not completed or finished. For example, "Addressing the "unfinished business" of the previous administration is crucial for progress".

What are some alternatives to "a task left undone"?

Alternatives include "an unfinished task", "an incomplete assignment", or ""unfinished business"", depending on the specific context.

Is "a task left undone" formal or informal?

The phrase "a task left undone" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more suitable for neutral or slightly formal situations. In highly formal or technical writing, consider more precise alternatives.

What implications does "a task left undone" suggest?

The phrase suggests that there may be negative consequences or unresolved issues as a result of the task not being completed. It highlights the importance of finishing what you start.