a very difficult task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very difficult task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task that requires significant effort, skill, or perseverance to complete. Example: "Completing the project on time was a very difficult task, but we managed to pull it off."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a very difficult task.

Cornell University

It's a very difficult task, in fact.

Cornell University

In sum, a very difficult task.

The New York Times

It is a very difficult task.

International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping

The new civilian president has a very difficult task ahead.

Stanford University

The probability task is a very difficult task.

Cornell University

Too many wish to oversimplify a very difficult task.

The New York Times

"It is a very difficult task," Mr. Salad said.

The New York Times

That turns out to be a very difficult task.

The New York Times

Until now, that's been a very difficult task.

MIT Technology Review

"It's a very difficult task," Mr. Maksoud said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a challenge, consider using "a very difficult task" to clearly communicate the level of effort and skill required.

Common error

While "a very difficult task" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse by opting for more specific descriptions of the challenge, such as "a complex problem" or "a demanding endeavor", when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very difficult task" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "task". It serves to describe the nature or quality of the task, indicating that it is challenging and requires significant effort as Ludwig AI also confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very difficult task" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a challenging endeavor. As Ludwig AI explains, it's suitable for various contexts, including academia, news, and science, with a neutral register. While widely used, be mindful of overuse and consider more specific descriptions when appropriate. Alternatives such as "a challenging task" or "a demanding task" can add nuance. Remember to use the phrase accurately to convey the degree of difficulty and potential obstacles involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly challenging endeavor

Replaces "difficult task" with a more formal and emphatic term, "challenging endeavor".

a particularly arduous undertaking

Substitutes "difficult" with "arduous" and "task" with "undertaking", suggesting a strenuous and prolonged effort.

a formidably complex assignment

Emphasizes the complexity of the task, highlighting the intricate nature of the challenge.

a supremely demanding activity

Focuses on the demanding nature of the task, implying it requires significant effort and resources.

a notably problematic exercise

Highlights the potential issues and obstacles associated with the task.

a considerably taxing responsibility

Emphasizes the burden and strain the task places on the individual or team involved.

a genuinely tough proposition

Uses more informal language to convey the difficulty, suggesting it presents a significant hurdle.

a remarkably intricate operation

Highlights the detailed and interconnected nature of the task, suggesting complexity and precision.

an exceptionally knotty problem

Emphasizes the convoluted and perplexing nature of the task, suggesting a significant challenge to resolve.

a seriously uphill battle

Uses a metaphor to describe the task, implying that success will require a great deal of effort and perseverance.

FAQs

How can I use "a very difficult task" in a sentence?

You can use "a very difficult task" to describe something that requires a lot of effort or skill. For example, "Rebuilding the economy after the crisis was "a very difficult task"."

What can I say instead of "a very difficult task"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging task", "a demanding task", or "a complex task depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "a very difficult task" in formal writing?

Yes, "a very difficult task" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "an arduous undertaking".

What makes a task "a very difficult task"?

A task becomes "a very difficult task" when it requires significant effort, skill, and perseverance to complete. It often involves overcoming obstacles and addressing complex challenges.