a weighty task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weighty task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that is significant, important, or burdensome in nature. Example: "Completing the project on time was a weighty task that required careful planning and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly's appointment of three former federal prosecutors to evaluate the integrity of the Police Department's internal system for recording crime data has posed the panel with a weighty task.

The New York Times

CHICAGO — For all the talk about how bright the Mets' future could be, the organization has a weighty task ahead finding capable position players to eventually array around their vaunted young pitchers.

The New York Times - Sports

For a woman with such a weighty task, Akers, 55, maintains a flinty composure as she faces committees of MPs and the ranks of lawyers at the Leveson inquiry – perhaps because she has had far more dangerous adversaries in the past.

The Guardian

We know this must seem like a weighty task, especially while the bubbly is still swirling through your brain.

Forbes

It's a weighty task for a single song to carry, which is why it makes sense that Adele's "Hello" is a big, enveloping force, with bold, broad lyrics that could describe the feelings that accompany a variety of lost loves.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The core Dragon Age: Inquisition storyline offers a fairly weighty task to the player – lead a religious movement designed to cross political boundaries and bring a warring nation together, in time to fight a common enemy.

TechCrunch

Expanding insurance is a weighty undertaking, as one might imagine.

The Economist

1f6b00fd-88f8-4199-b0d0-5986b6e89cd9 ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Sitting before some editing banks on the second floor of a nightclub here, a Kazakh director named Erkin Rakishev described the weighty task ahead: defending the honor of all Kazakhs by wreaking revenge on the odious movie "Borat".

The New York Times

But Mr. Gingrich's response raised another question altogether: Does the roar of an exercised crowd distract from the real and weighty task at hand — selecting the best candidate for president — by encouraging candidates to play for applause lines?

The New York Times

He also appealed to the jury's humanity, reminding them of the weighty task they had before them.

The New York Times

Ferraro and the Wang-Kumar ownerships have the weighty task of making the league succeed in the New York area.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a weighty task" to underscore the importance and potential impact of an undertaking. This phrase adds a sense of gravitas.

Common error

Avoid using "a weighty task" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is more appropriate for formal or serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weighty task" functions as a noun phrase, where "weighty" modifies the noun "task". It describes a task that is significant and important. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and accepted English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a weighty task" is a grammatically correct and semantically rich expression used to describe a significant and important undertaking. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While there are numerous alternatives, such as "a significant undertaking" or "a substantial responsibility", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, remember that it is best suited for formal and serious situations where the gravitas of the task needs to be emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant undertaking

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the task.

a substantial responsibility

Highlights the degree of accountability involved.

a considerable burden

Focuses on the demanding and potentially stressful nature of the task.

a major challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and complexity involved.

a serious obligation

Stresses the importance and binding nature of the task.

a demanding assignment

Highlights the effort and resources required.

a critical mission

Implies a crucial and urgent nature of the task.

a momentous duty

Emphasizes the historical or lasting importance.

an onerous job

Focuses on the tiresome or oppressive nature.

a formidable undertaking

Highlights the challenges and potential difficulties associated.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weighty task" to describe something that is significant and requires serious consideration. For example, "Leading the company through the crisis was "a weighty task" that demanded strong leadership".

What are some alternatives to "a weighty task"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "a weighty task" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a weighty task" is more suitable for formal or serious contexts. In casual settings, consider using less formal alternatives.

How does "a weighty task" differ from "a difficult task"?

"A weighty task" implies significance and importance, whereas "a difficult task" simply refers to the level of effort required. "A weighty task" carries a sense of gravitas and consequence.